Flexible biodegradable wireless battery-free integrated theranostic adhesive patch

Conventional drug delivery and diagnostic models are increasingly inadequate for the evolving demands of precision medicine and real-time treatment. Integrated theranostic systems offer a promising solution; however, challenges such as wired control, non-degradable materials, and poor wet-tissue integration hinder their clinical adoption. Here, we present an integrated theranostic adhesive patch (ITAP) that combines wireless operation, full biodegradability, and robust bioadhesion on wet-tissue surfaces for seamless diagnostic and therapeutic functionality. The ITAP adheres stably to moist tissues through a biocompatible hydrogel layer, continuously monitors physiological motion via resonant mechanical sensing, and enables precise on-demand drug release through the magnetically activated electrochemical corrosion of magnesium (Mg) valves. By introducing thickness-graded Mg valves and distance-dependent magnetic actuation, the system enables programmable, sequential, and selective drug release with tolerance to physiological motion and anatomical variability. Experimental results demonstrate strong wet-tissue adhesion, sensitive mechanical signal detection, and controllable drug release under magnetic stimulation. In vivo studies in an asthmatic rat model validated the integrated functionality, achieving wireless respiratory rhythm monitoring and triggered bronchodilator delivery with significant therapeutic efficacy. In vitro degradation tests and in vivo biocompatibility evaluations confirmed the transient and safe nature of all device components, avoiding the need for device retrieval. This bioresorbable theranostic platform establishes a practical framework for wireless, tissue-conformal diagnosis and therapy, offering new opportunities for minimally invasive and personalized interventions on dynamic wet tissue surfaces.

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Publication Details

Journal
Bioactive Materials
Published
2026-02-13
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bioactmat.2026.02.019
Primary Topic
Advanced Sensor and Energy Harvesting Materials
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
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article

Flexible biodegradable wireless battery-free integrated theranostic adhesive patch

Zhinan Mao, Jie Li, Yubo Fan, Jiebo Li et al.
Bioactive Materials
Advanced Sensor and Energy Harvesting Materials
article

Flexible biodegradable wireless battery-free integrated theranostic adhesive patch

Zhinan Mao, Jie Li, Yubo Fan, Jiebo Li, Jian Huang, Bixuan Fang, Shuaiyin Liu, Junlin Chen, Jiaxiang Zhang, Yanzhe Fu, Kinon Chen
article en

Abstract

Conventional drug delivery and diagnostic models are increasingly inadequate for the evolving demands of precision medicine and real-time treatment. Integrated theranostic systems offer a promising solution; however, challenges such as wired control, non-degradable materials, and poor wet-tissue integration hinder their clinical adoption. Here, we present an integrated theranostic adhesive patch (ITAP) that combines wireless operation, full biodegradability, and robust bioadhesion on wet-tissue surfaces for seamless diagnostic and therapeutic functionality. The ITAP adheres stably to moist tissues through a biocompatible hydrogel layer, continuously monitors physiological motion via resonant mechanical sensing, and enables precise on-demand drug release through the magnetically activated electrochemical corrosion of magnesium (Mg) valves. By introducing thickness-graded Mg valves and distance-dependent magnetic actuation, the system enables programmable, sequential, and selective drug release with tolerance to physiological motion and anatomical variability. Experimental results demonstrate strong wet-tissue adhesion, sensitive mechanical signal detection, and controllable drug release under magnetic stimulation. In vivo studies in an asthmatic rat model validated the integrated functionality, achieving wireless respiratory rhythm monitoring and triggered bronchodilator delivery with significant therapeutic efficacy. In vitro degradation tests and in vivo biocompatibility evaluations confirmed the transient and safe nature of all device components, avoiding the need for device retrieval. This bioresorbable theranostic platform establishes a practical framework for wireless, tissue-conformal diagnosis and therapy, offering new opportunities for minimally invasive and personalized interventions on dynamic wet tissue surfaces.

Bioactive MaterialsVol. 61
Chinese University of Hong Kong (HK), Dongzhimen Hospital Affiliated to Beijing University of Chinese Medicine (CN), National Institute of Metrology (CN), Beihang University (CN), Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (CN)
Good health and well-being
Openalex Percentile: Top 58%
Advanced Sensor and Energy Harvesting Materials
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