The future of health: ‘Smart Patch’ for neurodegenerative diseases
At Prudêncio, innovation and excellence have been part of our identity since 1974. Over the years, our passion for exploring new frontiers and driving technological advancement has established us as a benchmark in the national waterproofing market. We lead several research projects within our sector, but we are also motivated by other areas that align with our core principles, such as sustainability and health.
In this context, through Tech4Bio, we are embracing significant challenges in these fields. Believing in the importance of sharing new progress, we are excited to present an innovative technology developed with the participation of one of Tech4Bio’s founders, Dr. Felismina Moreira. What does it entail? It is a minimally invasive method for monitoring the progression of neurodegenerative diseases, representing a crucial breakthrough in the fight against these conditions.
Revolution in diagnosis
Early detection of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, is taking a significant leap forward thanks to the innovative work of Felismina Moreira from the Polytechnic Institute of Porto (ISEP).
In collaboration with Dr. Sanjiv Sharma from the University of Liverpool, a revolutionary ‘smart patch’ has been developed that promises to transform the way various diseases are detected.
How does it work?
This solution consists of an array of microscopic needles that penetrate the skin barrier in a minimally invasive manner, allowing for the rapid and accurate detection of biomarkers.
This technology is not only ideal for quick diagnoses in medical offices but can also be used at home for continuous and immediate monitoring.
Key features:
- Advanced technology: uses microscopic needles to access important biomarkers without the need for blood.
- Rapid diagnosis: measurement time reduced to just 15/20 minutes.
- High precision: highly accurate results with a low detection limit.
- Versatile application: can be used in various care settings, from medical offices to home testing.
Regarding this technological advancement, Felismina Moreira, co-author of the project and specialist at ISEP, highlights: “ISEP has been a pioneer in the application of molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) in different areas of healthcare. With Dr. Sanjiv Sharma’s expertise in transdermal diagnostics, we have demonstrated that MIPs and microneedles offer a fantastic platform for the development of bloodless diagnostic devices. These devices have potential applications in cardiology, oncology, and neurodegenerative diseases.”
If you want to know more about this technology, you can access it here.
Tech4Bio’s innovation and Prudêncio’s role
At the intersection of research and innovation, Tech4Bio was born—a project that embodies our passion for transforming the future. Combining Prudêncio’s expertise and the entrepreneurship of Felismina Moreira, a specialist in Sustainable Chemistry and biosensors, this initiative is redefining the concept of innovation.
Tech4Bio benefits from the collaboration of a network of national and international consultants in Chemistry, Engineering, Physics, Robotics, and Nanomaterials. This joint effort not only explores new technological possibilities but also aligns with our principles of environmental respect and sustainability.
This multidisciplinary team is committed to developing advanced solutions that not only meet current needs but also anticipate the future of health technologies.
To deepen your understanding and see how we are shaping the future of health and technological innovation, read our full article.
