Scientists Create World’s First Covid-19 Smart Patch

• Swansea University scientists are now developing the world’s first Covid-19 smart patch.
• The disposable device is made of silicone and uses microneedles to administer the vaccine while also measuring the body’s immune response.
• The new technology aims to “ensure a safe return to work and management of subsequent Covid-19 outbreaks,” according to Dr Sanjiv Sharma.

Scientists from Swansea University are currently working on developing the world’s first coronavirus vaccine ‘smart patch.’ The revolutionary device uses microneedles to “both deliver the COVID-19 vaccine and measure its efficacy through monitoring the body’s associated response,” according to the university’s official website.

According to reports, a prototype will likely be released by March for clinical trial purposes. Once proven effective, it will then be made available for the public and will be sold for an affordable price, assured the inventors.

The smart patch’ microneedles is capable of penetrating the skin to help administer a vaccine. Moreover, it can stay in place for up to 24 hours by using a strap or a tape.

After the vaccine administration, the device produces a data reading that determines the vaccine’s efficacy and the body’s response.

In a press release, project lead Dr Sanjiv Sharma explained:

“Measuring vaccine efficacy is extremely important as it indicates the protective effects of vaccination on an individual via the level of reduction of infection risk in a vaccinated person relative to that of a susceptible, unvaccinated individual. This measure of vaccination effectiveness will address an unmet clinical need and would provide an innovative approach to vaccine development.”

Sharma likewise pointed out:

“This low-cost vaccine administration device will ensure a safe return to work and management of subsequent Covid-19 outbreaks.

“Beyond the pandemic, the scope of this work could be expanded to apply to other infectious diseases as the nature of the platform allows for quick adaption to different infectious diseases.”