Plug-In Design of the Microneedle Electrode Array for Multi-Parameter Biochemical Sensing in Gouty Arthritis

Gouty arthritis is one of the most common forms of inflammatory arthritis and has brought a significant burden on patients and society. Current strategies for managing gout primarily focus on long-term urate-lowering therapy. With the rapid advancement of point-of-care testing (POCT) technology, continuous monitoring of gout-related biomarkers like uric acid (UA) or inflammatory cytokines can provide rapid and personalized diagnosis for gout management. In this study, a plug-in design of a microneedle electrode array (PIMNA) was developed and integrated into a multi-parameter sensing portable system in combination with embedded circuits and a mobile application. The system enabled real-time, in situ, and dynamic monitoring of biomarkers, including UA, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and pH at gouty joints. The multi-parameter monitoring system demonstrated a wide linear response range, excellent selectivity, stability, reproducibility, and reliable signal transmission performance. In vivo experiments demonstrated the real-time monitoring capability of PIMNA for UA, ROS, and pH, showing the potential to facilitate urate-lowering management and inflammation assessment. Prospectively, the system enables quantitative analysis of the complexity and diversity of gout, presenting promising applications in clinical practice. This work provides a unique strategy with potential for broader applications in gout management and arthritic disease treatment.