Microneedle devices are provided for controlled sampling of biological
fluids in a minimally-invasive, painless, and convenient manner. The
microneedle devices permit in vivo sensing or withdrawal of biological
fluids from the body, particularly from or through the skin or other
tissue barriers, with minimal or no damage, pain, or irritation to the
tissue. The microneedle device includes one or more microneedles,
preferably in a three-dimensional array, a substrate to which the
microneedles are connected, and at least one collection chamber and/or
sensor in communication with the microneedles. Preferred embodiments
further include a means for inducing biological fluid to be drawn through
the microneedles and into the collection chamber for analysis. In a
preferred embodiment, this induction is accomplished by use of a pressure
gradient, which can be created for example by selectively increasing the
interior volume of the collection chamber, which includes an elastic or
movable portion engaged to a rigid base. Preferred biological fluids for
withdrawal and/or sensing include blood, lymph, interstitial fluid, and
intracellular fluid. Examples of analytes in the biological fluid to be
measured include glucose, cholesterol, bilirubin, creatine, metabolic
enzymes, hemoglobin, heparin, clotting factors, uric acid,
carcinoembryonic antigen or other tumor antigens, reproductive hormones,
oxygen, pH, alcohol, tobacco metabolites, and illegal drugs.