ORGS2-1234
Painless Fe(III)-Specific GelMA Hydrogel Microneedle Patch for Remote Management of Transfusion-induced Iron Overload
Topic
GS2. Graduate Student Oral Session II: Functional Biomaterials and Cosmetic Polymer Engineering
When and Where
Sep 28, 2026
15:36 - 15:48
Room 102
Session Chairs
Chaenyung CHA
Ilkoo NOH
Jun Shik CHOI
Presenter(s)
Byulhana Kim (Seoul National University)
Co-Author(s)
Abstract
Chronic anemia is a common condition that can arise from various causes, including iron deficiency and chronic disease. In clinical practice, iron-rich diets or supplements are typically recommended; however, severe cases often require regular blood transfusions. Paradoxically, patients receiving repeated transfusions frequently develop iron overload. Consequently, these patients fall into a vicious cycle, requiring frequent hospital visits for invasive blood tests and iron chelation therapy while managing excessive iron accumulation alongside their anemia treatment. To address this issue, we highlight the need for a painless, remote monitoring medical device to effectively manage iron overload in chronic anemia patients. In this study, we developed the HELPER (Hydrogel Electrolyte Linked Portable Electronic Responder) system. It integrates three kicks: (1) an iron-selective polymer synthesized by conjugating deferoxamine with gelatin methacrylate, (2) a novel polymer-based painless hydrogel microneedle, and (3) the hydrogel microneedle acting as an electrolyte coupled with a portable electronic device. The HELPER system enables painless and extraction of free iron from interstitial fluid, demonstrating high selectivity and sensitivity. Furthermore, the hydrogel electrolyte did not induce cytotoxicity or acute inflammation in skin cells. Additionally, iron overload levels monitored by the portable electronics are remotely transmitted via a mobile application, enabling patients and clinicians to share real-time health status and coordinate treatment plans without hospital visits. The HELPER system is expected to serve as a next-generation intelligent medical device that significantly improves the quality of life for patients suffering from chronic anemia in fast-paced society. Moreover, it holds potential for expansion as a versatile ion-sensing system for real-time monitoring of other bioactive metal ions and management of electrolyte imbalance-related diseases.
