EndoTrain, a research initiative, will hold its inaugural PhD program kick-off meeting alongside the Eurosensors 2026 conference in Zurich from September 5-11, 2026. The event represents a significant milestone for the organization, bringing together newly recruited PhD students and their principal investigators for the first time in an official capacity. The primary conference sessions will occur September 9-11 at ETH Hönggerberg and ETH Rämistrasse locations, with proceedings moderated by Eystein Husebye and chaired by Felix Beuschlein. Prior to the in-person gathering, EndoTrain has prepared comprehensive reading materials to enable PhD students to familiarize themselves with relevant research before attending the sessions. This coordinated approach of combining a major international sensors conference with the program's inaugural meeting demonstrates EndoTrain's commitment to integrating emerging researchers into the broader scientific community while establishing foundational knowledge across the new cohort.

Radio-frequency (RF) transdermal drug delivery represents a significant advancement in overcoming the limitations of passive transdermal systems, which have been used for over two decades but cannot effectively deliver many therapeutically important molecules. RF cell-ablation technology, an established and safe medical technique commonly used in minimally invasive surgery and tumor treatment, can be adapted to create microscopic channels in the skin's outer layers. By applying alternating electrical current above 100 KHz through precisely spaced microelectrodes placed against the skin, RF ablation generates controlled cell ablation that forms microchannels in the stratum corneum and outer dermis. These channels penetrate only superficial skin layers lacking blood vessels and nerves, minimizing trauma and discomfort while completing the process in seconds. The microchannels fill with interstitial fluid, creating hydrophilic pathways through the hydrophobic skin barrier that remain functional for up to 24 hours, enabling delivery of otherwise impenetrable drugs. This approach offers a low-cost, proven solution to expand the therapeutic potential of transdermal drug delivery systems.

Researchers have developed an innovative transdermal delivery system utilizing kaempferol-loaded dissolving microneedles to enhance therapeutic efficacy. Kaempferol, a naturally occurring flavonoid with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, presents challenges in bioavailability when administered through conventional routes. The study, published in BioNanoScience in September 2026, focuses on optimizing the formulation and design of dissolving microneedles specifically for improved transdermal kaempferol delivery. This needle-based approach bypasses gastrointestinal barriers, enabling direct skin penetration and enhanced drug absorption. The research demonstrates that microneedle technology significantly improves kaempferol's therapeutic performance compared to traditional delivery methods. This advancement is clinically significant as it addresses the bioavailability limitations of flavonoid-based therapeutics, potentially expanding treatment options for inflammatory and oxidative stress-related conditions. The delivery-focused optimization represents a promising strategy for enhancing the clinical utility of naturally derived compounds through innovative pharmaceutical engineering.

Currently, no semaglutide patch exists despite significant patient demand. Semaglutide's molecular weight of 4,113 Daltons far exceeds the approximately 500 Dalton threshold for passive skin penetration, making traditional transdermal formulation impossible without specialized enhancement technology. Novo Nordisk has not announced any transdermal semaglutide development. However, three companies are advancing microneedle and iontophoretic patch technologies for GLP-1 delivery, though none incorporate semaglutide and earliest FDA approval is estimated for late 2027. Search analysis reveals three distinct user groups seeking patches: injection-averse patients (62%), current injection users wanting convenience upgrades (28%), and researchers tracking pipeline developments (10%). All groups face disappointment from the current landscape, as viable transdermal GLP-1 alternatives remain years from approval and will likely cost more than existing injections due to manufacturing complexity. The fundamental biochemical constraint—skin's stratum corneum barrier function—prevents large-molecule penetration without enhancement technologies beyond standard adhesive formulations.

Sepsis remains a critical challenge in intensive care medicine, characterized by significant immunological and physiological heterogeneity that complicates diagnosis and treatment. Researchers from the Medical University of Gdańsk have published a perspective addressing the integration of sepsis pathophysiology with biosensor engineering for cytokine detection. The authors argue that current biosensor development prioritizes technological ambitions around continuous, minimally invasive, wearable measurement, but this approach misaligns with actual clinical needs. Instead, they propose deriving sensor specifications directly from septic patient pathophysiology and intensive care workflows. Since septic cytokine concentrations span three to four orders of magnitude, a wide linear range proves more critical than minimal detection limits. Because resuscitation and antimicrobial decisions occur within hours, response times must measure in minutes rather than tens of minutes. The authors emphasize that whole blood remains the optimal measurement medium, as reference ranges and kinetics are established only in blood and vascular access already exists in these patients. They recommend discrete, single-use formats over continuous operation in fouling-prone matrices. These conclusions challenge current field directions, suggesting that aligning sensor architecture with sepsis pathophysiology is essential for bedside clinical decision-making support. This framework could significantly improve outcomes in a condition responsible for approximately twenty percent of global deaths.

Researchers have developed an innovative 3D-printed polymeric microneedle platform designed to enhance dermatological treatments, particularly fractional radiofrequency microneedling. The team created a low-shrinkage photocurable resin optimized for high-precision additive manufacturing, enabling rapid fabrication of ultra-long microneedle arrays through photopolymerization-based 3D printing. The arrays were then coated with an even layer of silver using electroless plating at room temperature. The resulting microneedles demonstrate significantly enhanced thermal conductivity—increased 37-fold compared to uncoated polymeric materials—while maintaining excellent mechanical strength and structural integrity. Mechanical testing and skin penetration experiments confirmed low insertion force and stable microchannel formation. Cytotoxicity assessments revealed good cell compatibility both before and after silver coating. The complete manufacturing process, from digital design to finished silver-coated array, takes approximately 2.5 hours and requires no molds or specialized tooling. This scalable, cost-effective approach enables customizable, single-use needle-electrode cartridges for clinical applications in medical aesthetics and energy-assisted dermatological therapy.

This patent presents an innovative closed-loop medical intervention system designed to overcome critical limitations of conventional open-loop healthcare approaches, which rely on manual monitoring and delayed treatment initiation. The innovation centers on an electroactive, stimuli-responsive hydrogel material and an organic multifunctional microneedle electronic array (μNTron) that enables simultaneous real-time physiological monitoring and precise drug delivery. The hydrogel features an interpenetrating network structure composed of N-(3-Sulfopropyl)-N-methacroyloxyethyl-N,N-dimethylammonium betaine (DMAPS) as the backbone, electrostatically linked with poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) for conductivity, created through one-step in-situ polymerization. The resulting material exhibits tissue-like mechanical elasticity, high conductivity, and excellent biocompatibility. The μNTron device continuously records multi-channel electrophysiological signals via flexible microneedle arrays to detect early pathological abnormalities such as seizure spikes, then automatically triggers dose-adaptive drug delivery through low-voltage electro-osmosis directly from preloaded microneedles. This represents a significant advancement enabling early intervention during pre-symptomatic stages, eliminating treatment delays and reducing manual intervention risks in critical care settings.

Karolien De Wael's research team at Antwerp University, A-PECS (PhotoElectroChemistry & Sensing), specializes in photoelectrocatalysis, biosensor development, and electrochemical analysis. The group is advancing cancer diagnostics through PEAKRAS, an innovative dual-amplification photoelectrochemical platform designed to detect KRAS mutations with unprecedented sensitivity. KRAS mutations are critical biomarkers in colorectal, pancreatic, and lung cancers, driving the need for rapid, accurate diagnostic tools as approved KRAS inhibitors and numerous investigational agents enter the market. Current detection methods like PCR and next-generation sequencing require thermal cycling and expensive laboratory infrastructure. PEAKRAS combines mismatch hairpin recycling with singlet oxygen-mediated photoelectrochemical redox cycling to achieve femtomolar sensitivity without thermal cycling or electrode modification. The platform targets detection limits of 0.1–10 fM while reliably identifying mutant alleles below one percent mutant allele fraction in plasma, enabling point-of-care mutation testing and addressing major barriers to accessible cancer diagnostics.

Microneedle drug delivery systems represent an innovative approach to overcome the limitations of conventional topical and transdermal methods. Traditional hypodermic needles cause patient discomfort and pain, while topical creams and transdermal patches suffer from poor bioavailability due to the skin's barrier function, particularly the stratum corneum layer which restricts passage of molecules. Microneedle systems (MNS) function as a hybrid solution, consisting of micro-sized needles arranged on small patches that create microscopic pores in the skin without causing significant pain. This technology enables improved drug permeation and bioavailability compared to topical applications while maintaining superior patient compliance and painless administration relative to traditional needles. The article classifies microneedles into four types: solid, hollow, dissolving, and coated variants, each offering distinct advantages for transdermal drug delivery. The comparative analysis demonstrates that microneedles deliver faster onset of action with sufficient bioavailability while remaining painless and suitable for self-administration, positioning them as a promising advancement in pharmaceutical delivery technology.

Researchers at KAIST and the Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine have developed a wearable electroceutical device combining wireless microneedle electrodes with smartphone-controlled, IoT-based remote technology for drug-free pain management. Published in Nature Communications, this skin-attached patch modulates pain through electrical stimulation and can be controlled remotely across distances, even internationally. The integrated system provides stable electrical stimulation, smartphone-based control, and automatic adjustment based on physiological signals. This innovation addresses critical limitations of existing electroceuticals, including the need for surgical implantation and poor performance with non-ideal skin conditions. Traditional painkillers, particularly opioids for chronic pain, carry increasing risks of tolerance, dependency, and side effects, making alternative approaches increasingly necessary. The temperature-responsive, conductive microneedle electrode design prevents skin burns and ensures consistent current delivery. Once efficacy and safety are validated in clinical trials, this technology could enable personalized, at-home chronic pain management, potentially reducing hospital visits and medication dependency while improving patient quality of life.

# Transdermal Diagnosis and Therapy Using an Integrated Acoustofluidic Patch Researchers have developed an innovative acoustofluidic patch designed to perform both diagnostic and therapeutic functions through the skin. This integrated transdermal device leverages acoustofluidic technology—which uses acoustic waves to manipulate fluids and particles—to enable non-invasive monitoring and treatment delivery. The patch represents a significant advancement in wearable biomedical devices by combining diagnostic capabilities that can detect biomarkers or physiological parameters with simultaneous therapeutic delivery mechanisms. The acoustofluidic approach offers precise control over fluid dynamics at the microscale, allowing for enhanced extraction of biological samples from interstitial fluid and targeted substance delivery. This dual-functionality platform addresses a critical gap in healthcare technology by eliminating the need for separate diagnostic and therapeutic devices. The work demonstrates potential applications in continuous patient monitoring, personalized medicine, and reduced burden on healthcare systems through home-based care solutions. The integration of acoustofluidic technology into wearable patches marks a promising direction for future point-of-care diagnostics and therapeutic delivery systems.

Researchers have advanced microneedle patch technology for mRNA vaccines by studying how drying processes affect vaccine-carrying nanoparticles. Using advanced imaging and X-ray techniques, scientists examined nanoparticle behavior before drying, during desiccation, and after rehydration to identify optimal preservation conditions. The study reveals that both nanoparticle design and polymer concentration in patch material significantly influence particle survival through the drying process. These findings provide practical guidance for developing dry mRNA vaccine patches that eliminate cold-chain storage requirements, potentially addressing distribution barriers in resource-limited settings. Microneedle patches deliver vaccines through hundreds of microscopic tips as an alternative to traditional injections. Future research will focus on optimizing nanoparticle and patch formulations, evaluating immune responses generated by the patches, and determining whether similar approaches could benefit other mRNA-based therapeutics. This advancement could substantially improve vaccine accessibility and distribution globally by reducing logistical complexities associated with temperature-controlled storage.

Researchers are investigating microneedle patches as a potential alternative to daily insulin injections for diabetes patients. These experimental patches use arrays of microscopic projections to penetrate the skin's outer barrier and deliver medication without the discomfort of traditional needles. Several microneedle designs are under study, including solid, hollow, and dissolving variants. Dissolving microneedles, manufactured from water-soluble materials like gelatin, carboxymethyl cellulose, and pullulan, release their medication payload as they dissolve in the skin. Preclinical studies using diabetic mice and human skin samples have demonstrated that these systems can successfully deliver insulin through the skin. However, significant challenges remain before this technology can replace conventional injections, including establishing reliable dosing protocols, ensuring consistent absorption, developing scalable manufacturing processes, and confirming safety profiles. The fundamental concept shows promise, but researchers must address critical questions about predictability and consistency compared to existing injection methods before microneedle patches can become a practical clinical solution for diabetes management.

Researchers at UC San Diego are developing a minimally invasive wearable microneedle patch that combines real-time biological sensing with automated drug delivery in a closed-loop system. Led by Chemical and Nano Engineering Professor Joseph Wang, the team is engineering a "lab under the skin" capable of continuously monitoring multiple biomarkers and medication levels from dermal interstitial fluid while simultaneously administering therapeutic agents. The platform uses microneedles less than one millimeter in length, with sensing microneedles coated in enzymes that detect biomarkers and generate electrical signals proportional to concentration levels. Hollow microneedles will deliver medications based on these real-time data streams. This technology holds significant promise for managing chronic conditions including diabetes and Parkinson's disease, while offering potential for early septic shock detection in emergency settings. Currently, solid microneedles are undergoing preliminary clinical trials at UC San Diego to validate real-time sensing capabilities. After fifteen years of development, the Wang laboratory continues advancing various microneedle designs to achieve fully integrated sense-and-treat systems that could substantially improve patient outcomes and quality of life.

Transdermal drug delivery (TDD) represents a clinically advantageous alternative to oral and parenteral administration, offering reduced systemic side effects and steady-state delivery profiles beneficial for chronic disease management. However, the skin's stratum corneum acts as a formidable biological barrier, restricting effective permeation to drug molecules with low molecular weight (<500 Da) and moderate lipophilicity. Traditional enhancement strategies such as chemical enhancers, iontophoresis, electroporation, and sonophoresis have demonstrated limitations, often causing skin irritation, requiring expensive equipment, or failing to efficiently deliver larger biotherapeutics. Microneedles (MNs) emerge as a superior solution by mechanically creating micro-conduits that enable drug transport while remaining small enough to avoid triggering pain through stimulation of dermal nociceptors and blood vessels. This painless technology holds transformative potential for vaccine delivery, hormonal therapies, and dermatological treatments. The article synthesizes current advancements in microneedle design, fabrication, and characterization, establishing a comprehensive roadmap for their successful clinical translation and addressing critical factors of permeability and dosage personalization essential for therapeutic efficacy.

Microneedles represent a transformative transdermal drug delivery technology that combines the convenience of patches with the efficacy of subcutaneous injection. This article, based on research by Xiaowen Liu, Fei Xiao from Jinan University, and Bin Du from Tongji University published in Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology, examines four primary microneedle classifications and their distinct mechanisms. Solid microneedles, fabricated from polymers, metals, or silicon, create temporary microchannels in the stratum corneum for skin pre-treatment using the poke-and-patch principle, though channels close within hours limiting sustained release. Hollow microneedles feature a 50–70 micrometer internal lumen enabling pressure-driven drug delivery, functioning as microscale syringes and allowing larger fluid volumes. Dissolving microneedles gradually degrade within skin tissue, providing sustained drug release without residue concerns. Coated microneedles deposit therapeutic agents directly onto the skin surface upon insertion. Each approach offers distinct advantages and limitations regarding drug carrying capacity, mechanical reliability, manufacturing complexity, and biocompatibility, making microneedle technology applicable across diverse cutaneous disease treatments while maintaining minimal invasiveness and excellent patient compliance.

Researchers have developed electroactive biodegradable microneedles that enable real-time, minimally invasive monitoring of plant physiology and industrial ammonia sensing. These novel microneedles combine biodegradable materials with electroactive properties, allowing direct insertion into plant tissues without causing significant damage. The technology addresses critical gaps in agricultural monitoring by providing in-situ physiological data collection, potentially revolutionizing precision farming applications. Beyond agriculture, the microneedles demonstrate utility in industrial ammonia sensing, offering a non-invasive alternative to conventional detection methods. Published in September 2026 in an open-access peer-reviewed journal, this research represents a significant advancement in bioelectronic sensor technology. The integration of electroactive functionality with biodegradable substrates eliminates concerns about device removal and environmental contamination. This innovation matters for sustainable agriculture, environmental monitoring, and industrial applications requiring accurate, real-time chemical detection with minimal ecological impact.

Hydrogel microneedles (HMNs) are an emerging microneedle platform that show significant potential for transdermal drug delivery applications. Nevertheless, conventional micromolding techniques exhibit inherent limitations that restrict their broader utilization. HMNs comprise hydrophilic crosslinked polymer networks that absorb interstitial fluid following skin insertion, thereby inducing swelling and enabling drug release. Additive manufacturing is a promising strategy for HMN fabrication, providing precise control over geometry and material composition. Photoreactive macromonomers enable the formation of polymer network structures while improving the solubilization of poorly water-soluble drugs, thereby facilitating the incorporation of lipophilic compounds. In this study, a photoreactive resin was prepared using poly(ethylene glycol) dimethacrylate (PEGDMA) as the macromonomer.

Chronic pain has historically been managed with pharmacological therapies, including opioids that provide potent analgesia, but their sustainability is limited by dose-dependent risks of misuse, addiction, and overdose. Electroceuticals offer a non-pharmacologic alternative by modulating neural pathways through electrical stimulation, but current invasive systems require surgery and clinical supervision, whereas non-invasive devices suffer from poor therapeutic efficacy caused by unstable skin-electrode impedance. Here, we present a thermoresponsive, electrically conductive adhesive microneedle (TEAM) electroceutical that integrates low-impedance microneedle arrays and conductive hydrogel coatings within a compact wireless platform enabling IoT-based telemedicine for safe, remotely managed pain therapy with robust therapeutic outcomes.

CD Bioparticles has announced a comprehensive custom microneedle mold processing service designed to support academic research, formulation development, and industrial-scale manufacturing. The company specializes in fabricating both negative and positive molds with micron-level precision, critical for ensuring reproducibility and quality in microneedle array production. CD Bioparticles supports diverse microneedle geometries including conical, pyramidal, beveled, hollow, and customized structures, with capabilities extending to complex multi-level cavity architectures such as tapered and gradient designs. The service leverages optimized surface treatments like fluorosilane coating to minimize demolding damage and improve yield, while maintaining stable dimensional performance during repeated use. The molds are compatible with various polymer and hydrogel processing methods including casting, molding, hot-pressing, and solution-based systems, functioning effectively in both aqueous and organic environments. Beyond manufacturing, CD Bioparticles offers engineering support including simulation-driven optimization, rapid prototyping, and process guidance to facilitate seamless transition from prototype development through pilot-scale applications. This comprehensive approach addresses the critical need for reliable mold quality in advancing microneedle technology across research and commercial sectors.