McGill University Develops Automated Microneedle Patch for IVF

A research team at McGill University has introduced a groundbreaking solution for the delivery of hormones used in in vitro fertilization (IVF). Their new light-activated microneedle patch promises a painless and automated method for administering hormone treatments, potentially transforming the IVF experience for patients worldwide.

This innovative system employs a hydrogel microneedle patch embedded with specially engineered nanoparticles designed to hold and release the hormone leuprolide when stimulated by near-infrared light. Patients undergoing IVF typically need to self-administer hormones daily at specific intervals, a process that can be both physically and emotionally taxing. With this new technology, the hormone can be released automatically at pre-programmed times, aiming to eliminate human error associated with self-injection.

Advancements in Drug Delivery Technology

The research team has addressed a significant challenge in current light-triggered drug delivery systems, which often release foreign materials into the body, raising safety and regulatory concerns. According to Marta Cerruti, a professor of materials engineering and the senior author of the study published in Small, “This is the first time that we were able to show light-triggered drug release from a nanoparticle-microneedle composite without releasing any foreign substance into the body.”

This advancement not only enhances patient safety but also accelerates the potential for clinical application, as the new system leaves no residual nanoparticles behind in the skin. The researchers optimized the incorporation of hormone-bearing nanoparticles into each microneedle to maintain effective skin penetration. They demonstrated the system’s efficacy by releasing leuprolide in a porcine skin model over a two-hour period, and even a five-minute pulse of light successfully delivered measurable hormone levels into the bloodstream and organs of a live rat.

Implications for IVF and Beyond

The implications of this technology are significant for IVF patients, as it could make treatments less painful and more efficient. The current success rates for IVF hover around 30 percent, even for the youngest women. As noted by Vivienne Tam, the lead author of the study and a PhD student in Cerruti’s lab, the automated system could improve these rates by ensuring that hormones are delivered at optimal times tailored for each individual.

Beyond the realm of IVF, this microneedle patch could benefit anyone who requires daily injections, such as individuals with diabetes or multiple sclerosis. Since the delivery platform avoids introducing nanoparticles into the body, it has a clearer pathway for clinical adoption compared to previous systems.

Further research will focus on refining dosing, exploring hormone release profiles, and evaluating commercial opportunities to bring this innovative technology to market. The study, titled “Upconverting Nanoparticle-Loaded Microneedles for Near-Infrared Responsive Delivery of Gonadotropins to Increase Success of In-Vitro Fertilization,” highlights the collaborative efforts of the research team, which includes Tam, Cerruti, and other contributors.

Funding for this research was provided by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) and Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships, underscoring the importance of support for advancements in medical technology. As the technology advances, it holds the potential to reshape the landscape of fertility treatments and daily medical care.