Abstract: The present invention is directed to devices including one or more hollow needles and a transducing wire disposed within at least one needle. In particular instances, arrays of such needles can be employed. Methods for fabricating and using such devices are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: Methods, structures, and systems are disclosed for biosensing and drug delivery techniques. In one aspect, a device for detecting an analyte and/or releasing a biochemical into a biological fluid can include an array of hollowed needles, in which each needle includes a protruded needle structure including an exterior wall forming a hollow interior and an opening at a terminal end of the protruded needle structure that exposes the hollow interior, and a probe inside the exterior wall to interact with one or more chemical or biological substances that come in contact with the probe via the opening to produce a probe sensing signal, and an array of wires that are coupled to probes of the array of hollowed needles, respectively, each wire being electrically conductive to transmit the probe sensing signal produced by a respective probe.

Abstract: A microneedle device comprising a hollow microneedle protruding from the rim of an outer open holder can be used for the extraction of interstitial fluid (ISF). Dermal ISF can be extracted with the microneedle device with minimal pain and no blistering for human subjects. Extracted ISF volumes are sufficient for determining transcriptome and proteome signatures. Similar profiles in ISF, serum, and plasma samples, suggest that ISF can be a proxy for direct blood sampling. This minimally-invasive microneedle device enables real-time health monitoring applications using extracted ISF.

Abstract: A sensor uses microneedle electrodes and multi-frequency electrical impedance spectroscopy to monitor plant water status in real time. The microneedle can be between 10 and 1000 microns in length, enabling precise placement in a variety of plant tissues. The impedance behavior can distinguish electrical properties and physiological functions of different plant tissue types. Therefore, impedance measurements can be used to monitor water stress to prevent irreversible damage to a plant and to enable improvement of plant biomass or fruit yield.

Abstract: A sensor uses microneedle electrodes and multi-frequency electrical impedance spectroscopy to monitor plant water status in real time. The microneedle can be between 10 and 1000 microns in length, enabling precise placement in a variety of plant tissues. The impedance behavior can distinguish electrical properties and physiological functions of different plant tissue types. Therefore, impedance measurements can be used to monitor water stress to prevent irreversible damage to a plant and to enable improvement of plant biomass or fruit yield.

Abstract: A transdermal and/or intradermal diagnostic device comprising a combined hollow microneedle interstitial fluid (IF) extraction device and a detector can monitor biomarkers in-situ. For example, electrode transducers with optimally arrayed and designed microneedles can be combined with a suitable pumping method to determine biomarker levels in human subjects under intense physical exertion to monitor metabolic stress and fatigue. The device can perform real-time, in-situ measurements of lactate in human subjects. Monitoring of other biomarkers is straightforward.

Abstract: The present invention relates to microneedles, as well as arrays and methods thereof. In particular, the microneedle is hollow and extends from a flexible substrate. Methods for making such microneedles include depositing electroplating materials within a cavity of a mold and removing an electroplated layer from that mold. In some instances, the mold is formed from an elastomer, which can be removed and reused to produce additional microneedles.

Abstract: Methods, structures, and systems are disclosed for biosensing and drug delivery techniques. In one aspect, a device for detecting an analyte and/or releasing a biochemical into a biological fluid can include an array of hollowed needles, in which each needle includes a protruded needle structure including an exterior wall forming a hollow interior and an opening at a terminal end of the protruded needle structure that exposes the hollow interior, and a probe inside the exterior wall to interact with one or more chemical or biological substances that come in contact with the probe via the opening to produce a probe sensing signal, and an array of wires that are coupled to probes of the array of hollowed needles, respectively, each wire being electrically conductive to transmit the probe sensing signal produced by a respective probe.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to devices including one or more hollow needles and a transducing wire disposed within at least one needle. In particular instances, arrays of such needles can be employed. Methods for fabricating and using such devices are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to devices and methods for detecting one or more markers in a sample. In particular, such devices integrate a plurality of hollow needles configured to extract or obtain a fluid sample from a subject, as well as transducers to detect a marker of interest (e.g., an electrolyte). In some embodiments, the needles are provided as a disposable cartridge.

Abstract: Methods, structures, and systems are disclosed for biosensing and drug delivery techniques. In one aspect, a device for detecting an analyte and/or releasing a biochemical into a biological fluid can include an array of hollowed needles, in which each needle includes a protruded needle structure including an exterior wall forming a hollow interior and an opening at a terminal end of the protruded needle structure that exposes the hollow interior, and a probe inside the exterior wall to interact with one or more chemical or biological substances that come in contact with the probe via the opening to produce a probe sensing signal, and an array of wires that are coupled to probes of the array of hollowed needles, respectively, each wire being electrically conductive to transmit the probe sensing signal produced by a respective probe.

Abstract: A microneedle device comprising a hollow microneedle protruding from the rim of an outer open holder can be used for the extraction of interstitial fluid (ISF). Dermal ISF can be extracted with the microneedle device with minimal pain and no blistering for human subjects. Extracted ISF volumes are sufficient for determining transcriptome and proteome signatures. Similar profiles in ISF, serum, and plasma samples, suggest that ISF can be a proxy for direct blood sampling. This minimally-invasive microneedle device enables real-time health monitoring applications using extracted ISF.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to devices, systems, and methods for detecting and/or monitoring one or more markers in a sample. In particular, such devices integrate a plurality of hollow needles configured to extract or obtain a fluid sample from a subject, as well as transducers to detect a marker of interest.

Abstract: A patterned graphene or graphitic body is produced by providing a three-dimensionally patterned carbonaceous body; coating the body with a catalytic metal whereby is formed a coating having an inner surface proximal the body and an outer surface distal the body; and annealing the coated body under time and temperature conditions effective to form a graphene or graphitic layer on the outer surface of the catalytic metal coating.

Abstract: Methods, structures, and systems are disclosed for biosensing and drug delivery techniques. In one aspect, a device for detecting an analyte and/or releasing a biochemical into a biological fluid can include an array of hollowed needles, in which each needle includes a protruded needle structure including an exterior wall forming a hollow interior and an opening at a terminal end of the protruded needle structure that exposes the hollow interior, and a probe inside the exterior wall to interact with one or more chemical or biological substances that come in contact with the probe via the opening to produce a probe sensing signal, and an array of wires that are coupled to probes of the array of hollowed needles, respectively, each wire being electrically conductive to transmit the probe sensing signal produced by a respective probe.

Abstract: Methods, structures, and systems are disclosed for biosensing and drug delivery techniques. In one aspect, a device for detecting an analyte and/or releasing a biochemical into a biological fluid can include an array of hollowed needles, in which each needle includes a protruded needle structure including an exterior wall forming a hollow interior and an opening at a terminal end of the protruded needle structure that exposes the hollow interior, and a probe inside the exterior wall to interact with one or more chemical or biological substances that come in contact with the probe via the opening to produce a probe sensing signal, and an array of wires that are coupled to probes of the array of hollowed needles, respectively, each wire being electrically conductive to transmit the probe sensing signal produced by a respective probe.

Abstract: Methods, structures, and systems are disclosed for biosensing and drug delivery techniques. In one aspect, a^ device for detecting an analyte and/or releasing a biochemical into a biological fluid can include an array of hollowed needles, in which each needle includes a protruded needle structure including an exterior wall forming a hollow interior and an opening at a terminal end of the protruded needle structure that exposes the hollow interior, and a probe inside the exterior wall to interact with one or more chemical or biological substances that come in contact with the probe via the opening to produce a probe sensing signal, and an array of wires that are coupled to probes of the array of hollowed needles, respectively, each wire being electrically conductive to transmit the probe sensing signal produced by a respective probe.

Abstract: A patterned graphene or graphitic body is produced by providing a three-dimensionally patterned carbonaceous body; coating the body with a catalytic metal whereby is formed a coating having an inner surface proximal the body and an outer surface distal the body; and annealing the coated body under time and temperature conditions effective to form a graphene or graphitic layer on the outer surface of the catalytic metal coating.

Abstract: A transdermal and/or intradermal diagnostic device comprising a combined hollow microneedle interstitial fluid (IF) extraction device and a detector can monitor biomarkers in-situ. For example, electrode transducers with optimally arrayed and designed microneedles can be combined with a suitable pumping method to determine biomarker levels in human subjects under intense physical exertion to monitor metabolic stress and fatigue. The device can perform real-time, in-situ measurements of lactate in human subjects. Monitoring of other biomarkers is straightforward.

Abstract: Methods, structures, and systems are disclosed for biosensing and drug delivery techniques. In one aspect, a device for detecting an analyte and/or releasing a biochemical into a biological fluid can include an array of hollowed needles, in which each needle includes a protruded needle structure including an exterior wall forming a hollow interior and an opening at a terminal end of the protruded needle structure that exposes the hollow interior, and a probe inside the exterior wall to interact with one or more chemical or biological substances that come in contact with the probe via the opening to produce a probe sensing signal, and an array of wires that are coupled to probes of the array of hollowed needles, respectively, each wire being electrically conductive to transmit the probe sensing signal produced by a respective probe.