Plug-In Design\nof the Microneedle Electrode Array\nfor Multi-Parameter Biochemical Sensing in Gouty Arthritis

Gouty arthritis is one of the most common forms of inflammatory\narthritis and has brought a significant burden on patients and society.\nCurrent strategies for managing gout primarily focus on long-term\nurate-lowering therapy. With the rapid advancement of point-of-care\ntesting (POCT) technology, continuous monitoring of gout-related biomarkers\nlike uric acid (UA) or inflammatory cytokines can provide rapid and\npersonalized diagnosis for gout management. In this study, a plug-in\ndesign of a microneedle electrode array (PIMNA) was developed and\nintegrated into a multi-parameter sensing portable system in combination\nwith embedded circuits and a mobile application. The system enabled\nreal-time, in situ, and dynamic monitoring of biomarkers, including\nUA, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and pH at gouty joints. The multi-parameter\nmonitoring system demonstrated a wide linear response range, excellent\nselectivity, stability, reproducibility, and reliable signal transmission\nperformance. In vivo experiments demonstrated the real-time monitoring\ncapability of PIMNA for UA, ROS, and pH, showing the potential to\nfacilitate urate-lowering management and inflammation assessment.\nProspectively, the system enables quantitative analysis of the complexity\nand diversity of gout, presenting promising applications in clinical\npractice. This work provides a unique strategy with potential for\nbroader applications in gout management and arthritic disease treatment.