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For centuries, leeches (including the species
Hirudo medicinalis) are valued for their medicinal applications for the treatment of various conditions. Even today, they are used in traditional or modern medicine, particularly in reconstructive surgery — to improve blood circulation and thus tissue healing. Recently, leeches served as inspiration for the design of a device to facilitate blood sampling.
While the fear of needles is often associated with children, many adults also share this phobia, particularly when taking blood samples. For these people, there are less invasive alternatives such as fingertip or earlobe injections. However, these methods have significant limitations. The amount of blood collected is usually minimal, insufficient for some medical tests — potentially leading to inaccurate test results, thereby affecting diagnosis and treatment.
To overcome these constraints, researchers from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETH) have developed a new device inspired by the leech. The latter allows, while being minimally invasive, to collect a quantity of blood greater than that obtained by conventional non-invasive methods (finger or earlobe for example).
Inspired by the suction mechanism of leeches
To design their new device, the researchers were inspired by a natural model, the leech. This worm, which feeds on blood, attaches itself to the skin using a suction cup. It then pierces the skin with its small teeth and draws blood through a vacuum or negative pressure mechanism. The device developed by ETH researchers imitates this process.
It is equipped with a 2.5 cm diameter silicone suction cup containing a dozen steel micro-needles. These needles, which only penetrate the skin slightly, are usually applied to the arm or back. To collect blood, the device creates a negative pressure similar to that used by leeches, making blood suction easier. To verify the effectiveness of their technology, the scientists tested it on a pig. Details of this trial have been published in the journal Advanced Science.
Illustration of the operation and use of the leech-inspired sampling device. © Nicole Zoratto et al./ETH
Many advantages compared to traditional alternatives
The researchers highlight the many advantages of this method. The device, less invasive than standard needles, causes less pain and reduces the risk of complications or injuries. It can also reduce patient anxiety and discomfort, especially in those who have an aversion or phobia to needles. In addition, the device is simple to use and does not necessarily require the intervention of a healthcare professional. It is particularly suitable for regions where access to qualified healthcare professionals is limited, such as rural areas or developing countries.
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Researchers are also considering its use in areas where medical resources are limited and diseases like malaria are common, including sub-Saharan Africa. Furthermore, the low manufacturing cost of the device allows its production in large quantities without requiring a significant financial investment, thus favoring its large-scale deployment in these regions. However, before this possible deployment, the team must optimize its choice of materials and conduct trials on human subjects.
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