Microneedle-Based Biofuel Cell with MXene/CNT Hybrid Bioanode: Fundamental and Biomedical Application

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry

Background:

• Biofuel cells offer a sustainable energy source by utilizing biofluids.
• Transdermal drug delivery systems require efficient methods for penetrating the skin barrier.
• Hydrogel-based microneedles can facilitate interstitial fluid extraction and drug delivery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a self-powered hydrogel microneedle patch for enhanced transdermal drug delivery.
• To integrate a biofuel cell for harvesting bioenergy to drive drug release.
• To investigate the delivery efficiency of large drug molecules like insulin.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a hydrogel microneedle patch with a MXene/carbon nanotube functionalized glucose oxidase bioanode.
• Integration of a biofuel cell into the microneedle patch.
• In vitro and in vivo testing of transdermal drug delivery for ciprofloxacin and insulin.
• Theoretical simulations of electron transport, substrate adsorption, and electric field effects.

Main Results:

• The integrated biofuel cell generated transdermal currents of 4-5 µA and an open-circuit potential of 0.28 V in vivo.
• Significantly enhanced transdermal delivery efficiency and release rates for ciprofloxacin and insulin were observed.
• High porosity and swelling capability of the hydrogel facilitated efficient interstitial fluid extraction.

Conclusions:

• The proposed microneedle patch with an integrated biofuel cell is a promising platform for self-powered transdermal drug delivery.
• This technology can overcome limitations in delivering large drug molecules transdermally.
• The findings support the advancement of next-generation self-powered transdermal drug delivery systems.