A revolutionary patch containing millions of microscopic nanoneedles is poised to transform the world of biopsies, offering a less invasive and painless alternative for patients. Biopsies, a common diagnostic procedure worldwide, can be painful and invasive, deterring patients from seeking early diagnosis or follow-up tests. However, this new nanoneedle patch developed by scientists at King's College London allows for the collection of molecular information without removing or damaging tissue.

The nanoneedles, 1,000 times thinner than a human hair, provide a painless and damage-free way to monitor diseases in real time and conduct multiple tests from the same area. This breakthrough could lead to earlier diagnosis, more regular monitoring, and a transformation in disease tracking and treatment.

Dr. Ciro Chiappini, the lead researcher behind this development, expressed excitement about the possibilities this technology opens up for patients with brain cancer, Alzheimer's, and personalized medicine. The patch, covered in millions of nanoneedles, has been successfully tested on brain cancer tissue from human biopsies and mouse models, extracting molecular 'fingerprints' without harming the tissue.

By analyzing these tissue imprints using mass spectrometry and artificial intelligence, healthcare teams can gain valuable insights into the presence of tumors, treatment responses, and disease progression at a cellular level. This multidimensional molecular information is a significant advancement over traditional biopsies, allowing for repeated sampling of the same tissue, which was previously impossible.

This innovative technology could revolutionize brain surgery by providing real-time insights to help surgeons make faster and more precise decisions. The nanoneedles, manufactured using techniques similar to computer chips, can be integrated into various medical devices such as bandages, endoscopes, and contact lenses.

Dr. Chiappini believes that this breakthrough could mark the end of painful biopsies, offering a safe and painless way to diagnose and monitor diseases. The collaboration across nanoengineering, clinical oncology, cell biology, and artificial intelligence has played a crucial role in unlocking this new approach to non-invasive diagnostics.

Supported by the European Research Council, Wellcome Leap, and UKRI's EPSRC and MRC, this study showcases the power of interdisciplinary collaboration in driving groundbreaking innovations in healthcare.