A reconfigurable integrated smart device for real-time monitoring and synergistic treatment of rheumatoid arthritis | Science Advances

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a global autoimmune disease that requires long-term management. Ambulatory monitoring and treatment of RA favors remission and rehabilitation. Here, we developed a wearable reconfigurable integrated smart device (ISD) for real-time inflammatory monitoring and synergistic therapy of RA. The device establishes an electrical-coupling and substance delivery interfaces with the skin through template-free conductive polymer microneedles that exhibit high capacitance, low impedance, and appropriate mechanical properties. The reconfigurable electronics drive the microneedle-skin interfaces to monitor tissue impedance and on-demand drug delivery. Studies in vitro demonstrated the anti-inflammatory effect of electrical stimulation on macrophages and revealed the molecular mechanism. In a rodent model, impedance sensing was validated to hint inflammation condition and facilitate diagnosis through machine learning model. The outcome of subsequent synergistic therapy showed notable relief of symptoms, elimination of synovial inflammation, and avoidance of bone destruction.