Researchers at the University of Victoria and the Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation (TIBI) have created a revolutionary system combining remote health monitoring and drug delivery via 3D-printed microneedles. Marking a significant step forward for healthcare equity and accessibility.
This novel strategy, described in a new study published in Advanced Healthcare Materials, can potentially alter healthcare delivery, especially for those living in underserved or distant areas.
‘Breakthrough’
The integrated theranostic microneedle array (MNA) technology represents a significant advancement in personalized medicine. Furthermore, these 3D-printed hollow microneedles enable painless and less invasive access to interstitial fluid, transforming medicine administration and diagnostics.
It has several colorimetric sensors that quantitatively monitor important health markers like pH, glucose, and lactate levels. Simultaneously, the device includes a remotely triggered mechanism for on-demand drug delivery.
One of the most significant aspects of this technology is the use of an ultrasonic atomizer, which improves drug delivery efficiency. This breakthrough allows for quick, pumpless, and point-of-care drug administration, considerably increasing the system’s mobility and lowering complexity.
The system’s capabilities are excellent, with the capacity to detect pH levels ranging from 3 to 8, glucose concentrations up to 16 mm, and lactate levels up to 1.6 mm. These measurements give critical information for monitoring a variety of health issues.
This technology’s accompanying smartphone application is critical since it serves as an interface for sensing and drug delivery functions. This user-friendly strategy ensures that patients and healthcare practitioners have easy access to and interpretation of data. And control over the drug administration process.
The consequences of this technology are extensive. Remote health monitoring and treatment can bridge geographical and socioeconomic differences in healthcare access. This democratization of health care may result in more immediate interventions, continuous monitoring, and truly personalized care. That is independent of a patient’s location or socioeconomic position.
The system’s potential for controlling chronic diseases that require long-term treatment is especially promising. The ability to dispense pharmaceuticals on demand and monitor health indicators without intrusive procedures has the potential to greatly enhance patient outcomes and quality of life.
Dr. Ali Khademhosseini, CEO of the Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation and a renowned expert in bioengineering, said
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.”
