100 + INNOVATIONS
Wearable Sensor to Continuously Monitor Drugs in the Body
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Tailoring drug doses to individuals using wearable sensors
Research Project
Challenge
Antibiotic dosing is currently based on weight, not individual drug metabolism, risking ineffective treatment or toxicity. Existing monitoring relies on occasional blood draws. This project develops wearable electrochemical aptamer biosensors for continuous, real-time measurement of drugs and biomarkers, enabling personalised dosing and transforming how clinicians monitor and deliver treatments.
Solution
Aptamers are DNA sequences that selectively bind target molecules. When integrated with electrodes, they form biosensors that detect binding via current changes. Unlike traditional sensors, aptamers can reversibly bind in biological fluids, enabling the continuous monitoring of multiple molecules. By altering DNA sequences, the same technology can target different molecules. This project focuses on designing and manufacturing reliable, robust devices suitable for patient use over multiple days, making continuous biomolecule monitoring clinically feasible.
Target customers / end-users
• patients
• healthcare providers
• the general population interested in monitoring their own wellness and health.
Progress
• AU $ 5.5m ARC Industry Laureate funding and AU $ 60m + investment for Nutromics partnership
• validated real-time, 24-hour vancomycin monitoring in humans
• progressing clinical trials and regulatory approvals( FDA / TGA) for wearable sensor technology.
Validated( real-world setting)
TRL 6
Multidisciplinary team
Healthy Living
Imagine if drug doses could be tailored in real time to remain within the therapeutic window. In collaboration with Nutromics, UNSW’ s Smart Materials and Surfaces group is developing microneedle sensors coated with DNA aptamers that selectively bind drugs, enabling painless, continuous monitoring of multiple drug and biomarker levels.
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