Researchers in Korea have developed a groundbreaking drug delivery system inspired by the suction cups of octopuses. This innovative technology is expected to have wide applications in both medical treatments for skin diseases and the cosmetics industry.
Professor Bang Chang-hyun and his research team at Sungkyunkwan University, in collaboration with the Korean startup Mimetics, have created a nanofiber-based adhesive electronic device that mimics the octopus sucker’s structure. Their findings were published in the Nature Partner Journal Flexible Electronics on July 7.
The team’s new technology addresses the shortcomings of existing transdermal drug delivery systems. These systems use patches applied to the skin to deliver medication, offering convenience. However, they are less effective at delivering drugs compared to injection methods, due to poor adhesion and lower efficiency.
To overcome these issues, the team designed a device that adheres more firmly to the skin by replicating the octopus sucker’s unique structure. The device remains stable even when absorbing high-viscosity solutions, which enhances its performance. Additionally, the use of carbon nanotubes in the device improved the drug’s ability to penetrate the skin.
Carbon nanotubes are tiny structures made of carbon atoms arranged in a honeycomb pattern. Known for their excellent electrical conductivity, these nanotubes create a fine electrical current that temporarily lowers the skin’s resistance, helping the drug penetrate the outer layer of the skin more effectively.
In clinical trials, the technology showed promising results. After applying the device to the skin for 20 minutes daily over a period of seven days, participants saw improvements in skin roughness, fine wrinkles, and pore size. The researchers found this method to be far more effective than simply applying a patch without a conductive layer.
Professor Bang Chang-hyun commented, “This research represents an innovative approach that maximizes drug delivery through the skin in a non-invasive way. We believe it will play a key role in the future development of personalized skincare solutions and advanced drug delivery systems.”
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