Recent Advances in Micro-Electro-Mechanical Devices for Controlled Drug Release Applications

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Materials Science
• Drug Delivery Systems

Background:

• Controlled drug release faces challenges like precise dosing, timing, and invasiveness.
• Conventional methods struggle with long-term treatments, narrow therapeutic windows, and complex regimens.
• Micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) present a promising technological advancement for drug delivery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advancements in MEMS-based drug delivery devices.
• To highlight the potential of MEMS in overcoming conventional drug delivery limitations.
• To discuss the design, fabrication, and application of MEMS drug delivery systems.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of MEMS devices using biocompatible materials with high uniformity and reproducibility.
• Integration of micro and nanometric structures including reservoirs, pumps, valves, and membranes.
• Aseptic manufacturing and hermetic sealing of MEMS devices.

Main Results:

• MEMS devices offer solutions for precise, automated, and minimally invasive drug delivery.
• Various MEMS designs, including implantable and transdermal systems, have been developed.
• These devices incorporate mobile components for enhanced physical and analytical functions.

Conclusions:

• MEMS technology provides a robust platform for next-generation controlled drug delivery.
• The review covers fundamental mechanisms, fabrication processes, performance, and applications of MEMS drug delivery devices.
• MEMS offer significant potential for optimizing drug release parameters and improving therapeutic efficacy.