Magnetically actuated multimodal bioelectronic catheter for minimally invasive surgery and sensing.

Small-scale magnetically actuated catheters capable of remote active navigation have promising applications in minimally invasive surgeries. However, existing fabrication techniques hinder their integration with multimodal sensing components, especially since embedding rigid electronic components within the catheters may diminish their flexibility and controllability. Here we report a magnetically actuated bioelectronic catheter with the in situ multiplexed biosensing of multiple types of metabolite or ion simultaneously.

Multi-sized microelectrode array coupled with micro-electroporation for effective recording of intracellular action potential.

Microelectrode arrays (MEAs) are essential tools for studying the extracellular electrophysiology of cardiomyocytes in a multi-channel format. However, they typically lack the capability to record intracellular action potentials (APs). Recent studies have relied on costly fabrication of high-resolution microelectrodes combined with electroporation for intracellular recordings, but the impact of microelectrode size on micro-electroporation and the quality of intracellular signal acquisition has yet to be explored.

Self-calibrating multiplexed microneedle electrode array for continuous mapping of subcutaneous multi-analytes in diabetes.

Monitoring multiplexed biochemical markers is beneficial for the comprehensive evaluation of diabetes-associated complications. Techniques for multiplexed analyses in interstitial fluids have often been restricted by the difficulties of electrode materials in accurately detecting chemicals in complex subcutaneous spaces. In particular, the signal stability of enzyme-based sensing electrodes often inevitably decreases due to enzyme degradation or interference .

Plug-In Design of the Microneedle Electrode Array for Multi-Parameter Biochemical Sensing in Gouty Arthritis.

Gouty arthritis is one of the most common forms of inflammatory arthritis and has brought a significant burden on patients and society. Current strategies for managing gout primarily focus on long-term urate-lowering therapy. With the rapid advancement of point-of-care testing (POCT) technology, continuous monitoring of gout-related biomarkers like uric acid (UA) or inflammatory cytokines can provide rapid and personalized diagnosis for gout management.

Wearable Systems of Reconfigurable Microneedle Electrode Array for Subcutaneous Multiplexed Recording of Myoelectric and Electrochemical Signals.

The real-time monitoring of in vivo electrophysiological and biochemical signals provides critical insights into the activities of tissues and organs. As the activity and metabolic state of different sites in the muscle vary, multichannel detection is necessary to capture the functional state of the whole muscle, yet the access to the bio-information in subcutaneous space remained challenging. This work reports the development of a reconfigurable microneedle electrode array integrated system designed to achieve painless and minimally invasive monitoring of subcutaneous electromyogram (EMG), oxygen species, and pH through an array of thumbtack-shaped microneedle (TSMN) electrode.

Vertical Graphene-Based Multiparametric Sensing Array for Integration of Smart Catheter to Electrochemically Monitor Peritoneal Dialysis.

Renal failure is typical chronic kidney disease that required peritoneal dialysis as the primary treatment, but current catheter devices lack functionality to monitor changes in chemical analytes during peritoneal dialysis. Fabrication of miniatured sensing modules with good electrochemical performance in tiny catheter devices is the key to realize the smart monitoring of peritoneal dialysis. In this work, a vertical graphene-based multiparametric sensing array (VG-MSA) is developed to continuously measure fluctuations of various analyte concentrations for peritoneal dialysis monitoring.

AuCd Nanoenzyme Coating for Enhancing Electrochemical Sensing Performance of Metal Wire Microelectrodes.

Dopamine (DA), ascorbic acid (AA), and uric acid (UA) are crucial neurochemicals, and their abnormal levels are involved in various neurological disorders. While electrodes for their detection have been developed, achieving the sensitivity required for in vivo applications remains a challenge. In this study, we proposed a synthetic AuCd nanoenzyme (ACNE) that significantly enhanced the electrochemical performance of metal electrodes.

Advances in Multifunctional Electronic Catheters for Precise and Intelligent Diagnosis and Therapy in Minimally Invasive Surgery.

The advent of catheter-based minimally invasive surgical instruments has provided an effective means of diagnosing and treating human disease. However, conventional medical catheter devices are limited in functionalities, hindering their ability to gather tissue information or perform precise treatment during surgery. Recently, electronic catheters have integrated various sensing and therapeutic technologies through micro/nanoelectronics, expanding their capabilities.

Multichannel microneedle dry electrode patches for minimally invasive transdermal recording of electrophysiological signals.

The collection of multiple-channel electrophysiological signals enables a comprehensive understanding of the spatial distribution and temporal features of electrophysiological activities. This approach can help to distinguish the traits and patterns of different ailments to enhance diagnostic accuracy. Microneedle array electrodes, which can penetrate skin without pain, can lessen the impedance between the electrodes and skin; however, current microneedle methods are limited to single channels and cannot achieve multichannel collection in small areas.

Fabrication of Multiple-Channel Electrochemical Microneedle Electrode Array via Separated Functionalization and Assembly Method.

Real-time monitoring of physiological indicators inside the body is pivotal for contemporary diagnostics and treatments. Implantable electrodes can not only track specific biomarkers but also facilitate therapeutic interventions. By modifying biometric components, implantable electrodes enable in situ metabolite detection in living tissues, notably beneficial in invasive glucose monitoring, which effectively alleviates the self-blood-glucose-managing burden for patients.

Ultra-low frequency magnetic energy focusing for highly effective wireless powering of deep-tissue implantable electronic devices.

The limited lifespan of batteries is a challenge in the application of implantable electronic devices. Existing wireless power technologies such as ultrasound, near-infrared light and magnetic fields cannot charge devices implanted in deep tissues, resulting in energy attenuation through tissues and thermal generation. Herein, an ultra-low frequency magnetic energy focusing (ULFMEF) methodology was developed for the highly effective wireless powering of deep-tissue implantable devices.

Coupling of nanostraws with diverse physicochemical perforation strategies for intracellular DNA delivery.

Effective intracellular DNA transfection is imperative for cell-based therapy and gene therapy. Conventional gene transfection methods, including biochemical carriers, physical electroporation and microinjection, face challenges such as cell type dependency, low efficiency, safety concerns, and technical complexity. Nanoneedle arrays have emerged as a promising avenue for improving cellular nucleic acid delivery through direct penetration of the cell membrane, bypassing endocytosis and endosome escape processes.

Technological Advances of Wearable Device for Continuous Monitoring of Glucose.

Managing diabetes is a chronic challenge today, requiring monitoring and timely insulin injections to maintain stable blood glucose levels. Traditional clinical testing relies on fingertip or venous blood collection, which has facilitated the emergence of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) technology to address data limitations. Continuous glucose monitoring technology is recognized for tracking long-term blood glucose fluctuations, and its development, particularly in wearable devices, has given rise to compact and portable continuous glucose monitoring devices, which facilitates the measurement of blood glucose and adjustment of medication.

Integrated electronic/fluidic microneedle system for glucose sensing and insulin delivery.

Precise and dynamic blood glucose regulation is paramount for both diagnosing and managing diabetes. Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) coupled with insulin pumps forms an artificial pancreas, enabling closed-loop control of blood glucose levels. Indeed, this integration necessitates advanced micro-nano fabrication techniques to miniaturize and combine sensing and delivery modules on a single electrode.

Personalized Machine Learning-Coupled Nanopillar Triboelectric Pulse Sensor for Cuffless Blood Pressure Continuous Monitoring.

A wearable system that can continuously track the fluctuation of blood pressure (BP) based on pulse signals is highly desirable for the treatments of cardiovascular diseases, yet the sensitivity, reliability, and accuracy remain challenging. Since the correlations of pulse waveforms to BP are highly individualized due to the diversity of the patients' physiological characteristics, wearable sensors based on universal designs and algorithms often fail to derive BP accurately when applied on individual patients. Herein, a wearable triboelectric pulse sensor based on a biomimetic nanopillar layer was developed and coupled with Personalized Machine Learning (ML) to provide accurate and continuous monitoring of BP.

Nanochannel Electro-Injection as a Versatile Platform for Efficient RNA/DNA Programming on Dendritic Cells.

The utilization of dendritic cell (DC) vaccines is a promising approach in cancer immunotherapy, and the modification of DCs for the expression of tumor-associated antigens is critical for successful cancer immunotherapy. A safe and efficient method for delivering DNA/RNA into DCs without inducing maturation is beneficial to achieve successful DC transformation for cell vaccine applications, yet remains challenging. This work presents a nanochannel electro-injection (NEI) system for the safe and efficient delivery of a variety of nucleic acid molecules into DCs.

A 3D-printed microneedle extraction system integrated with patterned electrodes for minimally invasive transdermal detection.

Point-of-Care-Testing (POCT) is a convenient and timely clinical analysis method, leading the development trend of advanced biosensors. The development of POCT equipment that can achieve minimally invasive percutaneous monitoring can avoid the pain felt by the subjects and achieve and efficient measurement. Here, we reported the development of a microneedle (MN) extraction system based on patterned electrodes, which could provide convenient and minimally invasive detection of bio-analytes (including glucose, pH, and HO).

3D-assembled microneedle ion sensor-based wearable system for the transdermal monitoring of physiological ion fluctuations.

Monitoring human health is of considerable significance in biomedicine. In particular, the ion concentrations in blood are important reference indicators related to many diseases. Microneedle array-based sensors have enabled promising breakthroughs in continuous health monitoring due to their minimally invasive nature.

Masticatory system-inspired microneedle theranostic platform for intelligent and precise diabetic management.

Integrated systems for diabetic theranostics present advanced technology to regulate diabetes yet still have critical challenges in terms of accuracy, long-term monitoring, and minimal invasiveness. Inspired by the feature and functions of animal masticatory system, we presented a biomimetic microneedle theranostic platform (MNTP) for intelligent and precise management of diabetes. The MNTP was supported by a miniatured circuit, which used microneedle arrays for on-demand skin penetration, enabling interstitial fluid exudation for simultaneous detection of glucose and physiological ions, and subcutaneous insulin delivery.

Capacitive-piezoresistive hybrid flexible pressure sensor based on conductive micropillar arrays with high sensitivity over a wide dynamic range.

Flexible pressure sensors are the foundation of wearable/implantable biosensing and human-machine interfaces, and mainly comprise piezoresistive-, capacitive-, piezoelectric-, and triboelectric-type sensors. As each type of sensor exhibits different electro-mechanical behaviors, it is challenging to detect various physiological mechanical signals that cover a large pressure range using a given sensor configuration, or even a single type of sensor. Here, we report a capacitive-piezoresistive hybrid flexible pressure sensor based on face-to-face-mounted conductive micropillar arrays as a solution to this challenge.

Semi-Implantable Bioelectronics.

Developing techniques to effectively and real-time monitor and regulate the interior environment of biological objects is significantly important for many biomedical engineering and scientific applications, including drug delivery, electrophysiological recording and regulation of intracellular activities. Semi-implantable bioelectronics is currently a hot spot in biomedical engineering research area, because it not only meets the increasing technical demands for precise detection or regulation of biological activities, but also provides a desirable platform for externally incorporating complex functionalities and electronic integration. Although there is less definition and summary to distinguish it from the well-reviewed non-invasive bioelectronics and fully implantable bioelectronics, semi-implantable bioelectronics have emerged as highly unique technology to boost the development of biochips and smart wearable device.

Determination of Transdermal Rate of Metallic Microneedle Array through an Impedance Measurements-Based Numerical Check Screening Algorithm.

Microneedle systems have been widely used in health monitoring, painless drug delivery, and medical cosmetology. Although many studies on microneedle materials, structures, and applications have been conducted, the applications of microneedles often suffered from issues of inconsistent penetration rates due to the complication of skin-microneedle interface. In this study, we demonstrated a methodology of determination of transdermal rate of metallic microneedle array through impedance measurements-based numerical check screening algorithm.

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

A closed-loop system that can mini-invasively track blood glucose and intelligently treat diabetes is in great demand for modern medicine, yet it remains challenging to realize. Microneedles technologies have recently emerged as powerful tools for transdermal applications with inherent painlessness and biosafety. In this work, for the first time to the authors' knowledge, a fully integrated wearable closed-loop system (IWCS) based on mini-invasive microneedle platform is developed for in situ diabetic sensing and treatment.

Wearable and Implantable Intraocular Pressure Biosensors: Recent Progress and Future Prospects.

Biosensors worn on or implanted in eyes have been garnering substantial attention since being proven to be an effective means to acquire critical biomarkers for monitoring the states of ophthalmic disease, diabetes. Among these disorders, glaucoma, the second leading cause of blindness globally, usually results in irreversible blindness. Continuous intraocular pressure (IOP) monitoring is considered as an effective measure, which provides a comprehensive view of IOP changes that is beyond reach for the "snapshots" measurements by clinical tonometry.

Liquid-like polymer-based self-cleaning coating for effective prevention of liquid foods contaminations.

Liquid food containers commonly suffer from inevitable contamination and even biofilm formation due to the adhesion of food residuals or saliva, which requires detergents to clean. Although previously reported superhydrophobic and omniphobic coatings can resist the adhesion of liquids, the requirements of specific nanostructures or infused lubricants limit their applications in food containers. Here, by grafting smooth glass containers with "liquid like" polydimethylsiloxane brushes, we developed a unique approach for preparing a slippery coating that could exhibit highly robust repellency to various liquid foods.