Programmable and on-demand drug release using electrical stimulation

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Materials Science
• Drug Delivery Systems

Background:

• Microfabrication advancements enable sophisticated implantable drug delivery devices.
• Current devices aim for precise administration and controlled release rates at specific locations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a novel membrane-based drug delivery device.
• To demonstrate electrically controlled, on-demand drug release with fast rates.

Main Methods:

• A device was designed with hydrogels containing ionic model drugs in a reservoir separated by a membrane.
• Electrokinetic forces were used to drive drug molecules out of the hydrogels.
• Electrical stimulation via voltage adjustments controlled drug release profiles.

Main Results:

• Release rates were electrically tunable by adjusting stimulated voltage.
• Pulsatile drug release was achieved using square voltage waves, enabling rapid on/off switching.
• Drug dose was determined by voltage duration and amplitude, allowing programmed release cycles.

Conclusions:

• The developed device offers precise, on-demand, and pulsatile drug delivery.
• Electrical control over release kinetics provides a versatile platform for targeted therapies.
• This technology has potential for advanced implantable therapeutic systems.