Project description
A wearable patch enables non-invasive daily monitoring of phenylketonuria
Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a rare inherited disorder that results in the accumulation of the amino acid phenylalanine (Phe) in the blood, causing toxic effects on the nervous system. PKU is a treatable genetic disease and newborn screening is required in many countries. Lifelong monitoring of Phe blood levels and proper treatment can prevent the neurological effects of the disease. Overcoming assessment obstacles, including costly and time-consuming analysis at hospitals, could significantly improve PKU therapeutic efficacy. The European Research Council-funded LABPATCH project aims to develop a wearable lab-in-patch monitor for non-invasive self-assessment of PKU. It will improve patient-physician interaction, enable daily assessment and enhance our understanding of the disease process for future treatment improvements.
Objective
Phenilketonuria (PKU) is a congenital metabolic disease related to high levels of phenylalanine (Phe) in blood that, if not treated, can lead to intellectual disability, behavioural problems, and mental disorders. Life-long monitoring of Phe levels are necessary for PKU patients to avoid health (mainly neurological) issues. Currently available techniques for Phe assessment are costly, slow and take place only in clinical chemistry laboratories inside tertiary care hospitals, with a total analysis rate of one test every 1 month. Therefore, new technologies for frequent and rapid Phe analysis are required to improve PKU therapeutic efficacy, health monitoring and hence the quality of life of the patients. Here, we propose a fully integrated wearable patch for non-invasive self-assessment of PKU. The patch is designed to comfortably detect sweat Phe levels at home settings without medical expertise or expensive facilities. The patch contains electrodes modified with Phe-selective bioreceptors and is connected to a miniaturized controlling unit for electrode operation and wireless data transmission to external devices (smartphone, tablet, etc.).
Overall, this project will provide, in an unprecedented manner, the fast monitoring of a rare disease with an integrated, compact, user friendly and non-invasive device. We aim at improving the way patients and doctors interact regarding the daily assessment of PKU. The produced devices will change how this rare disease is monitored, understood and will open new correlations between PKU and degree of health of patients. Furthermore, we expect that the concept of Lab-in-a-patch device proposed in this project will pave the way to the monitoring and assessment of other specific diseases.
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Funding Scheme
ERC-POC - Proof of Concept GrantHost institution
08028 Barcelona
Spain