Miniaturizes Intelligent Devices for Targeted Control of Drug Delivery via Electroactive Polymers
These intelligent devices with integrated wireless drug delivery circuits and multiple on-chip antennas can change the treatment of diseases by facilitating the controlled release of therapeutic agents into specific tissues and the bloodstream. Drug delivery devices capable of precise, targeted control of levels of drugs are particularly useful in the treatment of many conditions including Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, pain, and infectious diseases. Available drug delivery devices use low frequency bands and large antennas that include the need to be tethered to stationary equipment and constant human intervention. University of Florida researchers have developed devices with integrated wireless drug delivery circuits and multiple on-chip antennas using frequency bands that allow for miniaturized, mobile solutions. Thus, the delivery of drugs becomes more feasible, because the device can be reduced to an implantable size if desired. This integrated drug delivery circuit allows drugs to be administered according to a schedule that corresponds to a patient’s rhythms in order to maximize effectiveness and minimize the side effects of the therapy.
Application
Wireless control device for drug delivery applications
Advantages
- Controls the level of drugs released into specific tissues or the bloodstream, allowing the drug to be effective, yet not associated with undesirable side effects
- Increases energy harvesting efficiency by utilizing multiple antennas and frequency bands providing a higher probability of better energy conversion
- Supports various and wide ranges of frequency bands including Bluetooth, NFC, ANT and ANT+, Zigbee, WiFi, cellular networks, and satellite communication, permitting this device to be used with a multitude of popular frequency bands and protocols
Technology
This wireless controller for electrochemically triggered drug delivery comprises electroactive polymer-based biomaterials. It includes an electroactive polymer cell, a wireless polymer conduction controller, and another wireless module that communicates with the controller device. A circuit or device integrates the electrochemical cell and wireless polymer conduction controller. The device executes essential operations such as controlling the wireless module and temperature sensor. The wireless module communicates with the device, receiving device information, device status, and temperature data. Using this data, the wireless module determines the duration and quantity of the drug that needs to be released.
Brochure
