Microneedles enable remote heath monitoring and drug delivery

12 Aug 2024

Written by Julia Turan, Medical Devices Zone

Microneedle arrays – developed by a team of scientists from the University of Victoria (Canada) and the Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation (TIBI; CA, USA) – offer a painless, minimally invasive method for the continuous monitoring of biomarkers in interstitial fluid, streamlining diagnosis and drug delivery. This continuous monitoring allows for timely and personalized treatment, with the potential to improve healthcare delivery in underserved and remote regions.

The integrated theranostic system is comprised of 3D-printed, hollow microneedles, an array of colorimetric sensors – which quantify pH (3 to 8), glucose (up to 16 mm) and lactate (up to 1.6 mm) – and an ultrasonic atomizer. Abnormal pH, glucose or lactate levels remotely trigger drug delivery by the ultrasonic atomizer, which delivers the drug quickly and in a pumpless manner. The drug delivery component of the system is also responsive to changes in the biomarkers.

Combining this simple, portable theranostic device with a companion smartphone application allows individuals and healthcare professionals to easily analyze biomarker read-outs as well as control the drug delivery process. This feature further highlights the technology’s potential in personalized medicine and accessible healthcare.

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This technology makes it easier to assess chronic conditions with long-term treatments, providing timely delivery of medications and continuous monitoring of biomarkers. The researchers are hopeful that this device will revolutionize healthcare delivery in underserved and remote areas, improving healthcare equity.

TIBI CEO Ali Khademhosseini concluded, “this innovative approach confronts drug delivery challenges, particularly in managing chronic diseases requiring long-term treatment, while also offering avenues for non-invasive health monitoring through microneedle-based sensors.”