Swellable Microprotrusion Array for Non-Invasive Skin miRNA Quantification
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for analyzing microRNA in skin are invasive, expensive, and limited by the need for tissue biopsies, which are not suitable for non-invasive or quantitative epigenetic studies, especially for babies or sensitive areas like the face, and lack commercially available non-invasive products that focus on microRNA detection.
Innovation Solution
A method using a swellable microprotrusion array applied to the skin to absorb interstitial fluid, which is then removed and used to recover and quantify microRNA, allowing for non-invasive, quantitative analysis of microRNA in skin, including monitoring epigenetic changes due to exposure to stimuli.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If biopsy is used to analyze microRNA in skin, then quantitative epigenetic data can be obtained, but the procedure becomes invasive and unsuitable for babies or sensitive areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts microRNA analysis from invasive tissue biopsy and relocates it to non-invasive interstitial fluid sampling. The microprotrusion array device extracts interstitial fluid containing microRNA from the skin surface without removing tissue, thereby obtaining quantitative epigenetic data while eliminating the harmful invasiveness of traditional biopsy methods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces interstitial fluid as an intermediary medium between the skin tissue and the analysis device. Instead of directly sampling tissue, the microprotrusion array samples interstitial fluid that contains microRNA, serving as a non-invasive intermediary that carries the epigenetic information needed for quantitative analysis
2Loss of information
If biopsy is performed for microRNA analysis, then epigenetic information can be accessed, but multiple processing steps are required and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex biopsy processing workflow into a simplified two-step process: (1) application of the microprotrusion array to collect interstitial fluid, and (2) direct analysis of the collected fluid. This segmentation eliminates multiple intermediate processing steps required in traditional biopsy methods, reducing both device complexity and processing time while maintaining access to epigenetic information
Solution Approach 2:
The microprotrusion array is pre-designed and pre-configured to directly collect interstitial fluid containing microRNA in a ready-to-analyze format. This preliminary preparation of the sampling device eliminates the need for complex post-biopsy processing steps, as the fluid is collected in a state that requires minimal additional processing before analysis
3Ease of operation
If traditional collection devices are used for non-invasive biomarker detection, then some biomarkers can be detected, but the devices are either complex or require probes and are not commercially available for microRNA
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the collection device by using microprotrusions with specific dimensional characteristics (micrometer-scale dimensions, specific aspect ratios) that enable them to penetrate the stratum corneum and collect interstitial fluid. This parameter optimization allows the device to achieve non-invasive microRNA detection with a simple structure that does not require complex mechanisms or probes, making it commercially viable
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables non-invasive, quantitative analysis of microRNA in skin, providing insights into epigenetic changes without the need for tissue removal, suitable for various skin types and areas, including those previously difficult to study, such as the face.
Implementation Method 1
applying a swellable microprotrusion array to a region of skin to absorb interstitial fluid
Implementation Method 2
The swellable polymer composition is in its dry state hard and brittle sufficient to penetrate the stratum corneum of mammalian skin
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are methods of quantifying miRNA in skin, the method comprising: applying a swellable microprotrusion array to a region of skin to absorb interstitial fluid; removing the microprotrusion array; recovering miRNA from the interstitial fluid absorbed into the microprotrusion array; and quantifying the miRNA. Also provided are methods of monitoring epigenetic changes in skin using a swellable microprotrusion array.