A noninvasive alternative to traditional blood draws and biopsies now exists as researchers at The Jackson Laboratory (JAX) and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) developed the first-ever bandage-like microneedle patch. This patch is unlike any other patch, as it can painlessly sample the body's immune responses from the skin. 

In a study featured in Nature Biomedical Engineering, researchers reported that the patch can detect inflammatory signals within minutes and collect specialized immune cells within hours.

Sasan Jalili, a biomedical engineer and immunologist at the JAX and a faculty member at UConn School of Medicine, said:

"Traditionally, studying some of the most important immune cells in the body requires a skin biopsy or blood draws. Because many of these cells live and respond in tissues like the skin, accessing them has meant invasive procedures. We've shown we can capture them painlessly and noninvasively instead. This is especially important in sensitive or visible areas like the face or neck, where people often don't want biopsies because of scarring, as well as for older adults, frail patients, and very young children or infants."

This patch works by signaling the body's T cells to pull immune cells from the bloodstream toward the surface. This results in a concentrated accumulation of immune markers at the site.

While researchers are currently expanding their studies to cover a wider range of diseases, the technology has already proven its potential in human trials. In these tests, the patch successfully collected a diverse mix of immune cells and signaling proteins, providing a clearer, real-time window into the actual strength and responsiveness of a person's immune system.

He added:

"This study marks the first demonstration of live human immune cell sampling using a microneedle patch. This opens the door to a new way of monitoring immune responses that's practical, painless, and clinically feasible."

To date, the technology is already helping clinicians study skin autoimmunity, such as vitiligo and psoriasis, as well as age-related inflammation. With this new device, researchers hope to eventually support at-home monitoring for patients to track vaccine responses and unpredictable flare-ups.

Read the full article here to learn more about the microneedle patch.

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