Innovative Smart Patch Integrates Health Monitoring with Drug Administration

Researchers from the Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology have unveiled an innovative smart patch that enables simultaneous real-time monitoring of biometric signals and drug delivery. This advanced patch combines various sensors and a drug delivery system into a compact, foldable design, facilitating immediate cardiovascular health tracking and on-demand medication dispensing.

The study, published in the journal Nature Communications, highlights the growing need for personalized healthcare solutions as the global population ages. Current wearable medical devices are typically limited to either biometric signal detection or drug administration, lacking an integrated approach within a stable, slim structure.

To address these challenges, the research team led by Professor Kyung-In Jang developed a smart patch that incorporates both electrical and optical sensors for biometric signal detection, alongside a drug delivery mechanism and a wireless communication module. This comprehensive design allows for automated drug delivery based on real-time biometric data, paving the way for personalized treatment options tailored to individual health needs.

In a series of experiments, the team validated the effectiveness of the smart patch, successfully monitoring electrocardiograms and blood flow while conducting precise analyses of heart rate variability and pulse transit time. The automated drug delivery functionality was also tested, demonstrating its capability to respond to the collected biometric information.

Professor Jang emphasized the potential applications of this smart patch across various medical fields, including blood pressure management, glucose monitoring, pain alleviation, and treatment of chronic diseases. The research team aims to evolve this technology into a comprehensive intelligent healthcare platform, broadening its applicability across diverse medical disciplines.

This groundbreaking development represents a significant step forward in the field of wearable medical technology, offering the promise of real-time, personalized healthcare interventions that can adapt to patients' needs as they arise.