McGill University Develops Automated Microneedle Patch for IVF

A team of researchers at McGill University has created a groundbreaking method for delivering hormones used in in vitro fertilization (IVF) through a light-activated microneedle patch. This innovative approach aims to simplify the daily hormone injection process that IVF patients encounter, which can be both physically and emotionally taxing.

The new delivery system utilizes a hydrogel microneedle patch embedded with specially engineered nanoparticles that contain leuprolide, a key hormone in IVF treatments. When exposed to near-infrared light, the patch releases the hormone in a programmed manner, allowing for precise timing that aligns with each patient’s needs.

Advancing Hormone Delivery Technology

Current methods of drug delivery often involve systems that introduce foreign materials into the body, leading to regulatory and safety concerns. According to Marta Cerruti, a professor of materials engineering and senior author of the study published in the journal Small, this project marks a significant milestone. “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,” she stated.

The research team optimized the concentration of hormone-bearing nanoparticles within each microneedle, ensuring that their structural integrity remained intact for effective skin penetration. They tested the system on a porcine skin model, demonstrating that the light trigger could successfully release leuprolide over a two-hour period. Remarkably, a brief five-minute pulse of light produced measurable levels of the hormone in the skin, bloodstream, and organs of a live rat.

PhD student Vivienne Tam, the lead author of the study, noted that customizing the timing of hormone release could enhance IVF success rates. “IVF success rates are at best 30 percent, even for the youngest women. The hope is that if you take out the human error with injecting yourself and deliver the drug at times optimized for each patient, you could potentially see this success rate go up,” she explained.

Potential Beyond Fertility Treatments

While the primary focus of this technology is on improving IVF treatments, its implications extend to other medical fields that require regular injections. Patients with conditions such as diabetes or multiple sclerosis could also benefit from this painless and automated delivery method.

The absence of leftover nanoparticles in the body may facilitate a smoother pathway to clinical application compared to earlier systems. The research team plans to continue refining dosing protocols, exploring hormone release profiles, and investigating commercial opportunities for their innovative patch.

This study, titled “Upconverting Nanoparticle-Loaded Microneedles for Near-Infrared Responsive Delivery of Gonadotropins to Increase Success of In-Vitro Fertilization,” received funding from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) and Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships. As this technology progresses, it could redefine hormone delivery methods and enhance treatment experiences for countless patients.