Skin punch biopsy is routinely used for dermatological diagnosis, but is costly, time consuming and the histological readout lacks granularity to stratify and understand disease. Next generation diagnostic platforms utilise RNA extracted from microsamples of skin which allows quantification of thousands of expressed genes, enabling accurate identification of disease associated inflammatory or malignant pathways. However, a device to rapidly obtain microsamples suitable for such analysis does not yet exist. This project would develop a handheld disposable biopsy device that could be used at the bedside or at home to obtain and store microsamples of skin. The device would cause minimal scarring and local anaesthetic or sutures would not be required, creating a significant time and cost saving. The detailed gene expression readout would also allow rapid and accurate diagnosis of skin disease with the potential to predict treatment response. This device could therefore represent the future of dermatological diagnostic equipment.
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Development of a skin microbiopsy device for next generation diagnostics and precision medicine
