Devices and methods for aptamer-assisted microneedle-based monitoring of biomarkers

A device, comprising:

• a substrate;
• and
• at least three microneedles coupled to the substrate, wherein each microneedle in the at least three microneedles comprises:
• a protruded needle structure;
• and
• an electrode probe structure configured to produce a signal in response to a chemical or biological substance in a biofluid contacting the electrode probe structure,
• wherein a first electrode probe structure of a first microneedle in the at least three microneedles is operable as a first working electrode (WE-1) for detection of a first analyte, wherein the first electrode probe structure comprises a first aptamer sequence that is specific for the first analyte and is functionalized with a first redox reporter molecule,
• wherein a second electrode probe structure of a second microneedle in the at least three microneedles is operable as an electrochemical counter electrode (CE) or an electrochemical reference electrode (RE), and
• wherein a third electrode probe structure of a third microneedle in the at least three microneedles is operable as a second working electrode (WE-2) for detection of a second, different analyte, wherein the third electrode probe structure comprises a second, different aptamer sequence which is specific for the second analyte and is functionalized with a second, different redox reporter molecule.

A method of manufacturing an electrochemical sensing device, the method comprising:

• providing a substrate;
• and
• coupling at least three microneedles to the substrate,
• wherein each microneedle in the at least three microneedles comprises:
• a protruded needle structure;
• and
• an electrode probe structure configured to produce a signal in response to a chemical or biological substance in a biofluid contacting the electrode probe structure,
• wherein a first electrode probe structure of a first microneedle in the at least three microneedles is operable as a first working electrode (WE-1) for detection of a first analyte, wherein the first electrode probe structure comprises a first aptamer sequence that is specific for the first analyte and is functionalized with a first redox reporter molecule,
• wherein a second electrode probe structure of a second microneedle in the at least three microneedles is operable as an electrochemical counter electrode (CE) or an electrochemical reference electrode (RE), and
• wherein a third electrode probe structure of a third microneedle in the at least three microneedles is operable as a second working electrode (WE-2) for detection of a second, different analyte, wherein the third electrode probe structure comprises a second, different aptamer sequence which is specific for the second analyte and is functionalized with a second, different redox reporter molecule.