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Electrophoretic Delivery of γ-aminobutyric Acid GABA into Epileptic Focus Prevents Seizures in Mice
Published on: May 16, 2019
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Electrophoretic drug delivery for seizure control.
Christopher M Proctor1,2, Andrea Slézia3, Attila Kaszas3
1Electrical Engineering Division, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0FA, UK.
Science Advances
|September 1, 2018
Summary
This study introduces a novel neural probe with a microfluidic ion pump for precise, on-demand drug delivery to treat neurological disorders. The device successfully stopped seizures in a rodent epilepsy model by delivering drugs directly to the source.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biomedical Engineering
- Drug Delivery Systems
Background:
- Intractable neurological disorders require innovative therapeutic strategies.
- Current drug delivery methods face challenges in precision and local impact.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate the efficacy of direct in situ electrophoretic drug delivery for neurological disorders.
- To present a neural probe with integrated microfluidic ion pump (μFIP) for targeted drug administration.
Main Methods:
- Development of a neural probe combining a microfluidic ion pump (μFIP) for drug delivery and electrodes for neural recording.
- Electrophoretic pumping of ions across an ion exchange membrane for "dry" drug delivery.
- Testing the μFIP probe in a rodent model of epilepsy.
Main Results:
- The μFIP probe enabled precise, on-demand drug release with minimal local pressure increase.
- The probe detected pathological activity and delivered inhibitory neurotransmitters to stop seizures in epilepsy models.
- Successful intervention in seizure activity via targeted drug delivery.
Conclusions:
- The μFIP probe offers a promising platform for treating neurological disorders.
- This technology enables precise, localized drug delivery directly to the brain.
- Further engineering may expand applications in neural interfacing and therapy.
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