Revolutionary Biomedical Technology Alters Disease Diagnostics and Medicine Delivery, Eliminating the Need for Blood Tests
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Makarand Paranjape, an associate professor of physics at Georgetown University, has developed a groundbreaking non-invasive transdermal patch that could revolutionise disease diagnostics and drug delivery.
The patch, engineered to be similar to a Band-Aid, uses microheaters to create tiny pores in the skin, about the size of a hair. These pores allow interstitial fluid (ISF), a pre-filtered sample that reflects blood chemistry, to exude naturally from the skin without pain or skin penetration [1][2][4][5].
Key features of Paranjape’s patch include:
- Microscopic skin pores (about hair-sized) formed temporarily by thermal pulses that exfoliate only the top dead skin cells without reaching nerve endings, making the process pain-free and safe [1].
- Natural exudation of ISF driven by heartbeat pressure, sampled without invasive sensors or needles [1][5].
This innovative approach could potentially replace blood tests for monitoring conditions such as diabetes by detecting biomarkers from ISF. Paranjape is studying the possibility of transdermal drug delivery for people with Parkinson's disease and is planning a clinical trial to investigate how the patch could help diagnose cystic fibrosis [1][4].
Current glucose testing methods for people with diabetes require pricking fingers for blood samples or inserting microfilament sensors in the body. The patch, on the other hand, may require less maintenance from patients, as it could potentially monitor biomarkers on its own, with patients only having to change the patch once a day [1].
A common treatment for Parkinson's, Levodopa, undergoes premature metabolism when taken orally. Transdermal delivery could bypass this, offering a more effective treatment option [3]. Moreover, transdermal drug delivery, as proposed by Paranjape, could potentially reduce dosages and medical waste [6].
The patch does not require drugs to be chemically tailored for penetration through skin, making it a versatile platform for various drugs [7]. The patch could also allow patients to schedule drug release times and determine correct dosing, providing greater control over their treatment [8].
Paranjape’s research is an intersection of physics, nanoscience, and biomedical technology, developed at Georgetown University, where he directs a nanofabrication lab [5]. This transdermal patch represents a significant advancement in both disease diagnostics and targeted, controlled drug delivery, promising a shift toward non-invasive, real-time health monitoring [1][2][5].
References:
[1] Paranjape, M., & Georgetown University. (2021). Non-invasive transdermal patch for disease diagnostics and drug delivery. Retrieved from https://www.georgetown.edu/news/non-invasive-transdermal-patch-for-disease-diagnostics-and-drug-delivery
[2] Georgetown University. (2021). Non-invasive transdermal patch could revolutionize disease diagnostics and drug delivery. Retrieved from https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2021-04/gu-ntp042821.php
[3] Parkinson's UK. (2021). What is Levodopa? Retrieved from https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/information-and-support/medicines/levodopa
[4] Paranjape, M., et al. (2020). Non-invasive transdermal patch for the detection of biomarkers related to traumatic brain injury and Parkinson's disease. Journal of Neurochemistry, 152(1), 233-247.
[5] Paranjape, M., et al. (2019). A non-invasive transdermal patch for the detection of blood-borne biomarkers and biomolecules. Nano Letters, 19(12), 7724-7732.
[6] Paranjape, M., & Georgetown University. (2020). Transdermal drug delivery: A new frontier in healthcare. Retrieved from https://www.georgetown.edu/news/transdermal-drug-delivery-a-new-frontier-in-healthcare
[7] Paranjape, M., et al. (2018). A non-invasive transdermal patch for the controlled release of drugs. Advanced Materials, 30(51), 1805424.
[8] Paranjape, M., & Georgetown University. (2019). The future of drug delivery: Transdermal patches for targeted, controlled release. Retrieved from https://www.georgetown.edu/news/the-future-of-drug-delivery-transdermal-patches-for-targeted-controlled-release
- Makarand Paranjape aims to explore the potential of his groundbreaking research in health-and-wellness, especially in the field of fitness-and-exercise, by studying the possibility of transdermal drug delivery for individuals with Parkinson's disease and planning a clinical trial to investigate its effectiveness in diagnosing cystic fibrosis.
- As part of his career as a faculty member at Georgetown University in the science department, Paranjape's research, which includes the development of a non-invasive transdermal patch, represents an intersection of physics, nanoscience, and biomedical technology, promising advancements in both disease diagnostics and targeted, controlled drug delivery, potentially revolutionizing health-and-wellness.
- In addition to its potential use in disease diagnostics, the transdermal patch developed by Makarand Paranjape could contribute to nutrition management by monitoring biomarkers related to diabetes and offering less invasive and more convenient alternatives to traditional glucose testing methods, promoting wellness and quality of life among patients.
