Non-invasive Microfluidic Technologies for Monitoring Premature Neonates

We are developing an innovative device for neonatal health assessment through non-invasive monitoring of sweat glucose, lactate, and cortisol levels using microdialysis technologies and microneedle-based biosensors. Traditional methods of glucose for neonates involve heel-prick blood sampling. Sweat monitoring would provide a non-invasive alternative. However, current sweat monitoring typically devices requires strenuous physical activity. Our new sampling methodology allows measurement in basal thermoregulatory sweat by use of a skin sampling patch, eliminates the need for sweat induction. Continuous on-line wireless analysis of sweat glucose and lactate is by amicroneedle-based biosensor system(1). In addition, we measure skin cortisol levels using an aptamer-based sensor(2) and square-wave voltammetry.

To assess the feasibility of continuous glucose and lactate monitoring we have monitored small for gestational age and preterm infants born to mothers with gestational diabetes or a history of diabetes. Using this device we can successfully monitor skin glucose in these infants, and are establishing the correlation between the blood and sweat glucose levels. This feasibility study will provide a robust foundation for future large-scale clinical investigations, ensuring statistical significance and clinical relevance.

Preliminary results will be presented, demonstrating the performance of the microfluidic biosensor system for neonatal sweat monitoring.

1: Gowers, et al. 2020. Analyst 145: 1894-902
2: Xiao, et al. 2007 Nat Protoc 2, 2875–2880