China scientists create flexible bioelectronic patch for targeted drug delivery to complex organs

An international team of scientists has developed a breakthrough bioelectronic patch capable of delivering drugs and gene therapies directly to complex and irregularly shaped organs, marking a significant advance in precision medicine.

China Daily, a partner of TV BRICS, reports that the ultra-flexible device, designed to closely conform to organs such as ovaries and kidneys, enables highly localised treatment while avoiding the widespread side effects commonly associated with conventional systemic drug administration. The innovation represents a new approach to treating diseases in anatomically sensitive or structurally complex tissues.

The patch functions like a “smart electronic skin”, wrapping tightly around the surface of an organ to ensure close contact. Unlike traditional methods that distribute medication throughout the body, the technology allows therapeutics to be delivered only to targeted cells, improving effectiveness and safety.

The researchers adopted a physical delivery strategy that uses controlled electric fields to temporarily open microscopic channels in cell membranes. This enables drugs or genetic material to enter cells directly, while avoiding deeper tissues and protecting reproductive or germ-line cells – a critical consideration for treatments involving reproductive organs.

The device integrates nanopores, a drug-loaded hydrogel layer, conductive electrodes and a flexible base. When a low-voltage current is applied, localised electric fields are generated, dramatically enhancing cellular uptake. According to the researchers, this method increases delivery efficiency by nearly a thousand times compared to passive diffusion, without causing tissue damage.

Preclinical studies demonstrated that the patch could safely deliver gene therapy to ovarian surface cells in animal models without affecting reproductive cells, reducing disease risk while preserving fertility. In kidney models, targeted delivery of anti-inflammatory treatment helped protect organ function and eliminated systemic side effects typically associated with oral medication.

Photo: bankmini / iStock