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Wirelessly controlled, bioresorbable drug delivery device with active valves that exploit electrochemically triggered
Jahyun Koo1, Sung Bong Kim2,3,4, Yeon Sik Choi2,3
1School of Biomedical Engineering, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea.
Science Advances
|September 14, 2020
Summary
This study introduces a wirelessly controlled, bioresorbable implant for drug delivery. The system precisely releases medications like doxorubicin and insulin, offering a new approach for treating conditions such as cancer and diabetes.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Drug Delivery Systems
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Implantable drug delivery systems offer precise pharmacokinetic control for chronic conditions.
- Current systems often require surgical removal, posing risks and patient burden.
- Bioresorbable materials present an opportunity to eliminate the need for device explantation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a fully bioresorbable, wirelessly programmable implant for controlled drug release.
- To demonstrate the system's efficacy in delivering therapeutic agents for cancer and diabetes treatment.
- To eliminate the foreign body burden post-treatment through complete material resorption.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of polyanhydride reservoirs for drug storage.
- Integration of wirelessly triggered, electrochemically actuated bioresorbable valves.
- In vitro evaluation using doxorubicin for cancer cell treatment.
- In vivo studies in animal models for insulin delivery and blood glucose regulation.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated controlled release of doxorubicin in cell cultures for anti-cancer effects.
- Successfully regulated blood glucose levels in vivo through timed insulin delivery.
- Confirmed complete bioresorption of the implant materials post-drug release.
Conclusions:
- The developed system offers a wirelessly controlled, bioresorbable platform for targeted drug delivery.
- This technology has significant potential for managing chronic diseases like cancer and diabetes with reduced patient invasiveness.
- Complete resorption eliminates the need for secondary surgical procedures, enhancing patient safety and comfort.
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