A programmable bioresorbable electrochemical microneedle sensor array for perioperative monitoring of organ health.

Abstract

Comprehensive and continuous assessment of organ physiology and biochemistry, beyond the capabilities of conventional monitoring tools, can enable timely interventions for perioperative complications such as organ ischaemia and transplant rejection. Here we present an integrated bioresorbable system that enables multiplexed, real-time and spatially mapped electrochemical monitoring of deep organs throughout the surgical course. Using a 3D printing-based, photolithography-free fabrication process, the system features a flexible, 3D programmed, individually addressable microneedle sensor array with backward-facing barbs for conformal and stable organ interfacing and 3D parenchymal probing. Electrochemical functionalization of microneedle tips enable concurrent monitoring and spatial mapping of key biochemical markers, such as electrolytes, metabolites and oxygenation, in deep organs for at least 7 days. An electrically programmable self-destruction mechanism offers controllability over the degradation process, eliminating the need for device retrieval. Demonstrations in clinically relevant complications such as kidney ischaemia and gut disorders in animal models highlight the broad applications of this device in intra- and postoperative monitoring, advancing perioperative care and critical care medicine.