Smartphone-powered iontophoresis-microneedle array patch for controlled transdermal delivery

Abstract

The incidence rate of diabetes has been increasing every year in nearly all nations and regions. The traditional control of diabetes using transdermal insulin delivery by metal needles is generally associated with pain and potential infections. While microneedle arrays (MAs) have emerged as painless delivery techniques, the integration of MA systems with electronic devices to precisely control drug delivery has rarely been realized. In this study, we developed an iontophoresis-microneedle array patch (IMAP) powered by a portable smartphone for the active and controllable transdermal delivery of insulin. The IMAP in situ integrates iontophoresis and charged nanovesicles into one patch, achieving a one-step drug administration strategy of “penetration, diffusion and iontophoresis”. The MA of the IMAP is first pressed on the skin to create microholes and then is retracted, followed by the iontophoresis delivery of insulin-loaded nanovesicles through these microholes in an electrically controlled manner. This method has synergistically and remarkably enhanced controlled insulin delivery. The amount of insulin can be effectively regulated by the IMAP by applying different current intensities. This in vivo study has demonstrated that the IMAP effectively delivers insulin and produces robust hypoglycemic effects in a type-1 diabetic rat model, with more advanced controllability and efficiency than delivery by a pristine microneedle or iontophoresis. The IMAP system shows high potential for diabetes therapy and the capacity to provide active as well as long-term glycemic regulation without medical staff care.

Acoustic Photometry of Biomedical Parameters for Association with Diabetes and Covid-19

“…However, the integration of a microneedle array with an appropriate electronic device to control medicine delivery has rarely been realised. Thus, in one previous study [25], an iontophoresis-microneedle array patch (IMAP) was developed, powered by a portable smartphone to obtain controlled and active data on the transdermal delivery of insulin. This integrated system was unified into a single patch, allowing for a one-step pharmaceutical administration technique, comprised of "penetration, diffusion, and iontophoresis".…”

A Fully Integrated Closed‐Loop System Based on Mesoporous Microneedles‐Iontophoresis for Diabetes Treatment

“…[ 13 ] In addition, transdermal drug deliveries by iontophoresis are often limited to small molecules, while permeation of large molecules such as insulin are less compatible with iontophoresis. [ 14 ]…”

Minimally invasive technology for continuous glucose monitoring

“…Currently, the conventional blood glucose monitoring methods used in clinics mainly comprise sampling blood from the fingertips or a vein, which is then placed on a glucometer or a glucose test paper for glucose measurements. At the same time, diabetes is likely to cause various complications such as lower limb ischemia, foot ulcers, skin ulcers and infections [10,11]. The detection of several physiological indicators of the microenvironment of diabetic tissue is essential to understand the physiological mechanism of the diabetic milieu and guide treatments for diabetic complications.…”