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Towards soft robotic devices for site-specific drug delivery
Gursel Alici1,2
1a 1 School of Mechanical, Materials and Mechatronic Engineering, University of Wollongong , 2522 NSW, Australia.
Expert Review of Medical Devices
|September 29, 2015
Summary
This study reviews advances in mechanical drug delivery systems (DDS), focusing on implantable and robotic technologies for precise, site-specific drug administration. It highlights challenges in developing soft robotic devices for future clinical applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Drug Delivery Systems
- Robotics
Background:
- Significant research focuses on developing advanced drug delivery systems (DDS).
- Site-specific drug delivery aims to transport therapeutics to target locations, minimizing toxicity compared to traditional methods.
- Mechanical/physical DDS, including implantable and robotic systems, are key areas of development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in mechanical/physical drug delivery systems.
- To specifically focus on robotic and autonomous DDS, highlighting their reprogrammable and multi-dose capabilities.
- To discuss design requirements, performance issues, and research challenges for robotic DDS.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent literature on implantable and robotic drug delivery systems.
- Comparative analysis of established implantable DDS and emerging robotic DDS.
- Identification and discussion of critical research issues and challenges.
Main Results:
- Recent progress in site-specific drug delivery utilizing mechanical/physical systems.
- Robotic DDS offer reprogrammable, autonomous control for precise drug release.
- Implantable DDS are more developed, providing a benchmark for robotic system requirements.
Conclusions:
- Mechanical/physical DDS, particularly robotic systems, show great promise for targeted drug delivery.
- Further research is needed to address challenges in developing soft robotic devices for clinical use.
- Overcoming current limitations will enable enhanced therapeutic efficacy and patient outcomes.
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