Design of composite microneedle sensor systems for the measurement of transdermal pH

Carbon loaded polystyrene microneedle patches have been prepared using silicone micro-moulding techniques and the ability of the needles to serve as viable transdermal sensors has been evaluated. The population of quinone groups at the interface of the embedded carbon nanoparticles was increased through anodisation and their pH dependent redox transitions exploited as the basis of a reagentless pH sensor. The peak position of the quinone oxidation process was found to shift in accordance with Nernstian behaviour and the influence of penetration depth on response has been investigated. The analytical applicability of the microneedle electrode patch was critically evaluated through using tomato skin as model transdermal skin mimic. Despite the increased complexity of the matrix, the microneedle sensor response was found to compare favourably with conventional/commercial pH probes. •Demonstration of silicone micro-mould templates for microneedle sensor construction.•Design and development of low cost carbon composite microneedle sensors.•Evaluation of carbon nanoparticle - interfacial electroanalytical properties.•Demonstration of voltammetric sensing capability in authentic samples.•Characterisation of microneedle piercing capability and pH sensing performance.