Micro Delivery Device

Abstract

An electrochemical pump and a micro-delivery device including the electrochemical pump are provided. The electrochemical pump (3) includes a substrate (310) and at least one planar electrode (311). The substrate (310) has an upper surface (3101). The planar electrode (311) is disposed on the upper surface (3101) and includes at least one sharp corner (3113).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] cross reference This nonprovisional application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(a) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 807,538, filed February 19, 2019, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a micro-delivery device. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to an electrochemical pump for a micro-delivery device. [Background technology]

[0003] Traditionally, smooth microelectrodes have been used in electrolytic pump products. Previously, improvements have been developed to increase the surface roughness using electroplated microelectrodes to increase the output efficiency of the pump. However, the manufacturing method for this electrode design cannot provide a repeatable morphology of the electrode surface, which reduces the reliability of the energy performance of the pump.

[0004] Recently, a miniaturized delivery pump for therapeutic drugs has been proposed to improve the problems in the pharmaceutical industry. However, there are still some deficiencies waiting to be improved for the conventional design of the delivery pump for therapeutic drugs, such as low pump energy efficiency for the conventional pump electrode structure due to the low local electric field in the electrolyte, and low pump energy efficiency from the low solid surface free energy.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for an apparatus and method that can be improved upon and that solves at least one of the unresolved problems discussed above. Summary of the Invention

[0006] An embodiment provided herein is a microdelivery device, the microdelivery device comprising a substrate having an upper surface, a shell disposed on the upper surface of the substrate, the shell forming a chamber between the shell and the substrate, a planar electrode disposed on the upper surface of the substrate, and a planar electrode disposed within the chamber. 、 a separator dividing the chamber into an upper reservoir and a lower reservoir; 、 a cannula inserted into the opening of the shell and in fluid communication with the upper reservoir. 、 At least one sharp corner is formed on a surface of the planar electrode; The planar electrode has a first side and a second side opposite the first side in a cross-sectional view, and the at least one sharp corner is formed on the first side and / or the second side.

[0007] In another aspect, a microdelivery device comprises a substrate having an upper surface, a shell disposed on the upper surface of the substrate, the shell forming a chamber between the shell and the substrate, a planar electrode disposed on the upper surface of the substrate, a separator disposed within the chamber dividing the chamber into an upper reservoir and a lower reservoir, and a cannula inserted into an opening in the shell and in fluid communication with the upper reservoir, wherein at least one sharp corner is formed on a surface of the planar electrode, the planar electrode having a first side and a second side opposite the first side in a cross-sectional view, the planar electrode further having a top surface connecting the first side and the second side, and the at least one sharp corner is formed on the top surface.

[0010] In certain embodiments, the sharp corner has an acute angle having a range between 0.01-90°.

[0011] In certain embodiments, the sharp corner has a width having a range between 0.01-100 μm.

[0012] In a particular embodiment, the sharp corners are formed by an isotropic or anisotropic etching method.

[0015] In certain embodiments, the planar electrode is a porous electrode.

[0016] Certain embodiments further comprise an electronic device electrically connected to the planar electrode.

[0017] In certain embodiments, the planar electrode is hydrophilic and the substrate is hydrophilic. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0018] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of the invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a delivery device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an electrochemical pump according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a top view of an electrochemical pump according to embodiment 3-1 of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an exemplary illustration of sharp corners formed on planar electrodes, (a) in a pyramid shape and (b) in a tip shape. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an electrochemical pump according to embodiment 3-2 of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an electrochemical pump according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an electrochemical pump according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a delivery device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a graph showing plots of flow rate versus time for microdelivery devices having planar electrodes with sharp corners or flat surfaces, and a scanning electron microscope view of the surface of the planar electrodes. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0019] The following embodiments are prepared to clearly show the above contents and other technical contents, features and effects of the present disclosure when read together with the accompanying drawings. Through the description of specific embodiments, people will further understand the technical means and effects adopted by the present disclosure to achieve the above-mentioned objectives. Furthermore, all equivalent changes or modifications that do not depart from the concept of the present disclosure should be included in the scope of the appended claims, so that the contents disclosed in this specification should be easily understood and implemented by those skilled in the art.

[0020] As used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In this application, the use of "or" or "and" means "and / or" unless specifically stated otherwise. Furthermore, the use of the term "including" and other forms such as "include," "includes," and "included" is not intended to be limiting. The section headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting the subject matter described.

[0021] Additionally, ordinal numbers, e.g., "first," "second," etc., used in the specification and claims are intended only to describe the claimed elements and are not intended to imply or represent any sequential order between the claimed elements and other claimed elements, or between steps in a manufacturing process. The use of these ordinal numbers is solely to distinguish one claimed element having a particular designation from another claimed element having the same designation.

[0022] Additionally, terms used herein such as "on," "above," "over," and the like, contemplate not only direct contact with another component, e.g., a substrate, but also indirect contact with another component, e.g., a substrate.

[0023] EMBODIMENT 1

[0024] Please refer to Figure 1. Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a delivery device according to embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 1, the delivery device 1 includes a substrate 110, a rigid shell 12, a separator 13, a cannula 14, and an electronic device 15.

[0025] The planar electrode 111 and the rigid shell 12 are disposed on the top surface of the substrate 110, and the chamber 16 is formed by the rigid shell 12 and the substrate 111. The separator 13 is configured within the chamber 16 and divides the chamber into an upper reservoir 161 and a lower reservoir 162. The therapeutic agent can be filled into the upper reservoir 161. The liquid reagent for electrolysis can be filled into the lower reservoir 162. The cannula 14 is inserted into the opening of the rigid shell 12 and is in fluid communication with the upper reservoir 161. The electronic device 15 is electrically connected to the planar electrode 111 and provides power to the planar electrode 111. In this embodiment, the separator is a diaphragm. The substrate 110, the planar electrode 111, the cannula 14, the chamber 16, and the separator 13 together constitute the electrochemical pump of the present invention used to deliver drugs. Furthermore, the separator 13 is made of a rubber plunger and used as a stopper.

[0026] EMBODIMENT 2

[0027] Please refer to Figure 2. Figure 2 is a perspective view of an electrochemical pump according to embodiment 2 of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 2, the electrochemical pump 2 includes a substrate 210 and at least one planar electrode 211 (e.g., an anode electrode and a cathode electrode).

[0028] The substrate 210 has a top surface 2101. Furthermore, the substrate 210 can be made of, but is not limited to, a biocompatible material. In this embodiment, the substrate 210 is made of glass.

[0029] A planar electrode 211 is disposed on an upper surface 2101 of the substrate 210 .

[0030] Embodiment 3-1

[0031] The embodiment 3-1 is similar to the embodiment 1 and the embodiment 2, and will not be repeated in detail here, except for the following differences: Please refer to FIG. 3, which is a horizontal cross-sectional view of an electrochemical pump according to the embodiment 3 of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 3, the electrochemical pump 3 comprises a substrate 310 and at least one planar electrode 311.

[0032] The planar electrode 311 is disposed on the upper surface 3101 of the substrate 310. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the planar electrode 311 has a first side 3111, a second side 3112, and a third side 3110. From a horizontal cross-sectional view of the electrochemical pump, at least one sharp corner 3113 is observable. The third side 3110 of the planar electrode 311 is defined as a surface connecting the first side 3111 and the second side 3112. The first side 3111 is opposite to the second side 3112, and both the first side 3111 and the second side 3112 are connected to the third side 3110.

[0033] At least one sharp corner 3113 is formed on and protrudes from the first side 3111 and / or the second side 3112. In a particular embodiment, the sharp corner 3113 of the planar electrode 311 is formed in a zigzag shape in a top view of the electrochemical pump 3. Further, in this embodiment, the planar electrode is porous. However, in alternative embodiments, the sharp corner is formed on the first side 3111, the second side 3112, and the third side 3110.

[0034] In the present invention, the sharp corners can be formed by techniques known by those skilled in the art. For example, the sharp corners can be formed through isotropic or anisotropic etching methods.

[0035] However, the shape of the sharp corner can be changed and adjusted according to the etching method. For example, the sharp corner can be pyramid-shaped (FIG. 4(a)) or tip-shaped (FIG. 4(b)). The sharp corner has an acute angle (θ) ranging between 0.01-90°. The sharp corner also has a width (L) ranging between 0.01-100 μm.

[0036] Embodiment 3-2

[0037] The embodiment 3-2 is an alternative to the embodiment 3-1 and will not be repeated in detail here. Please refer to FIG. 5, which is a schematic cross-sectional view of an electrochemical pump according to the embodiment 3 of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 5, the electrochemical pump 4 includes a substrate 410 and at least one planar electrode 411.

[0038] The substrate 410 has a top surface 4101. The planar electrode 411 is disposed on the top surface 4101 of the substrate 410. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the planar electrode 411 has a top surface 4110, a first side surface 4111, a second side surface 4112, and at least one sharp corner 4113. The top surface 4110 of the planar electrode 411 is substantially parallel to the top surface 4101 of the substrate 410. The first side surface 4111 is opposite to the second side surface 4112, and both the first side surface 4111 and the second side surface 4112 are connected to the top surface 4110 and are substantially perpendicular to the top surface 4101 of the substrate 410.

[0039] 3, sharp corners 4113 are formed on and protrude from the first 4111 and second 4112 sides, and in this embodiment the planar electrode 411 is porous. However, the sharp corners 4113 of the planar electrode 411 are observed in a zigzag shape from a side cross-sectional view of the electrochemical pump 4.

[0040] Further, with reference to Figures 3 and 5, in some embodiments (not shown), the planar electrode can be porous, and in certain embodiments, the number of sharp corners is multiple.

[0041] EMBODIMENT 4

[0042] The fourth embodiment is similar to the first and second embodiments, and will not be repeated in detail here, except for the following differences. Please refer to FIG. 6, which is a schematic cross-sectional view of an electrochemical pump according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 6, the electrochemical pump 5 comprises a substrate 510 and at least one planar electrode 511.

[0043] The substrate 510 has a top surface 5101. The planar electrode 511 is disposed on the top surface 5101 of the substrate 510. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the planar electrode 511 has a top surface 5110, a first side surface 5111, a second side surface 5112, and a bottom surface 5114. The bottom surface 5114 is opposite to the top surface 5110. The top surface 5110 is substantially parallel to the bottom surface 5114 and the top surface 5101 of the substrate 510. The first side surface 5111 is opposite to the second side surface 5112, and both the first side surface 5111 and the second side surface 5112 are connected to the top surface 5110 by a sharp corner 5113. In this embodiment, the sharp corner connecting the top surface and the first / second side surfaces 5111, 5112 has an angle between 0.01-90°. Moreover, in this embodiment, the planar electrode 511 can be porous.

[0044] Additionally, the area of ​​the top surface 5110 is greater than the area of ​​the bottom surface 5114 forming, in a side cross-sectional view, sharp corners 5113 between the first side 5111 and the top surface 5110 and between the second side 5111 and the top surface 5110.

[0045] In some embodiments, the shape of the planar electrode 511 is such as an inverted trapezoid (not shown).

[0046] EMBODIMENT 5

[0047] The fifth embodiment is similar to the first and second embodiments, and will not be repeated in detail here, except for the following differences: Please refer to Fig. 7, which is a schematic cross-sectional view of an electrochemical pump according to the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Fig. 7, the electrochemical pump 6 comprises a substrate 610 and at least one planar electrode 611.

[0048] The substrate 610 has a top surface 6101. The planar electrode 611 is disposed on the top surface 6101 of the substrate 610. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the planar electrode 611 has a top surface 6110, a first side 6111, a second side 6112, and at least one sharp corner 6113. The top surface 6110 is substantially parallel to the top surface 6101 of the substrate 610. The first side 6111 is opposite the second side 6112, and both the first side 6111 and the second side 6112 are connected to the top surface 6110.

[0049] Sharp corners 6113 are formed on and protrude from the top surface 6110 in a schematic cross-sectional view. In this embodiment, the shape of each sharp corner 6113 is pyramid-like when viewed from a side cross-sectional view. However, the shape of the sharp corners 6113 is not limited by this embodiment. For example, in some embodiments, the shape of the sharp corners 6113 can resemble a tip (as shown in FIG. 4(b)).

[0050] EMBODIMENT 6

[0051] Embodiment 6 is similar to Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2, and will not be repeated in detail here, except for the following differences: Please refer to Figure 8, which is a cross-sectional view of a delivery device according to a seventh embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0052] The delivery device is vial-shaped, and in embodiment 1, the top surface of the substrate 110 faces the opening through which the cannula 14 is inserted. However, the device of this embodiment has an opening through which the cannula 14 is inserted, which does not face the opening. In one embodiment, the opening is in a direction substantially parallel to the substrate 110. Furthermore, the device of this embodiment also comprises a separator 13, which is made of a diaphragm, which is used as a stopper.

[0053] According to the present invention, a microdelivery device with a planar electrode having sharp corners provides a faster start-up speed and a larger volume of fluid compared to an electrode without sharp corners, i.e., compared to an electrode having a flat surface. As shown in FIG. 9, a microdelivery device with a planar electrode having sharp corners provides a faster start-up speed in terms of fluid output and also a larger volume of fluid. In contrast, a microdelivery device with a planar electrode having a flat surface provides a slower start-up speed in terms of fluid output and a smaller volume of fluid. Thus, it can be observed that an electrode with sharp corners significantly improves the efficiency of drug delivery of the microdelivery device. FIG. 9 also includes a scanning electron microscope scan of the surface of the planar electrode, which clearly shows the sharp corners formed on the surface of the electrode by etching. As observed on the electrode surface, the sharp corners are distributed on the surface of the electrode by etching, and the distance between adjacent sharp corners is about 5 μm or less.

[0054] It should be noted that the structure of the planar electrode is, but is not limited to, the shape of the embodiment shown in Figures 3 to 7 described above. For example, referring to Figures 3 and 7, in some embodiments, the number of sharp corners is multiple, and each sharp corner is formed on and protrudes from the side in a zigzag shape in a top view, and each sharp corner is formed on and protrudes from the top surface in a schematic cross-sectional view.

[0055] For example, referring to Figures 5 and 7, in some embodiments, the number of sharp corners is multiple, and each of the sharp corners is formed on the side surface in a zigzag shape in a schematic cross-sectional view and protrudes from the side surface, and each of the sharp corners is formed on the top surface and protrudes from the top surface.

[0056] For example, referring to Figures 3 and 6, in some embodiments, the planar electrode is porous and has a plurality of sharp corners, each of which is formed on and protrudes from a side surface in a zigzag shape in a top view, and each of which is formed between a side surface and a top surface in a schematic cross-sectional view.

[0057] For example, referring to Figures 6 and 7, in some embodiments, the planar electrode is porous and has a plurality of sharp corners, each of which is formed between the side surface and the top surface in the schematic cross-sectional view, and each of which is formed between the side surface and the top surface in the schematic cross-sectional view.

[0058] For example, with reference to Figures 5, 6, and 7, in some embodiments, the number of sharp corners is multiple, and each of the sharp corners is formed on the side surface in a zigzag shape in the schematic cross-sectional view and protrudes from the side surface, each of the sharp corners is formed between the side surface and the top surface in the schematic cross-sectional view, and each of the sharp corners is formed on the top surface and protrudes in the schematic cross-sectional view.

[0059] For example, with reference to Figures 3, 6, and 7, in some embodiments, the number of sharp corners is multiple, and each sharp corner is formed on the side surface in a zigzag shape and protrudes from the side surface in a top view, each sharp corner is formed between the side surface and the top surface in a schematic cross-sectional view, and each sharp corner is formed on the top surface and protrudes from the top surface in a schematic cross-sectional view.

[0060] In some embodiments, for example in FIG. 3, the sharp corners 3113 are formed along a direction substantially perpendicular to the top surface 3101 of the substrate 310.

[0061] In another embodiment, for example in FIG. 5, the sharp corners 4113 are formed along a direction substantially parallel to the top surface 4101 of the substrate 410.

[0062] In summary, the electrochemical pump and delivery device of the present disclosure comprises planar electrodes, which have sharp corners, and thus the planar electrodes provide better electrolysis efficiency, thus generating stronger electric fields and inducing greater amounts of gas production (similar to corona discharge in a vacuum).

[0063] While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described herein, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that such embodiments are provided by way of example only and may be implemented in combination. Numerous variations, changes, and substitutions will occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the present invention. It should be understood that various alternatives to the embodiments of the present invention described herein may be used in implementing the present invention. The following claims define the scope of the invention, and it is intended that methods and structures within the scope of those claims and their equivalents be covered thereby. The following items are within the scope of this disclosure: [Item 1] a substrate having a top surface; a shell disposed on top of the substrate, the shell forming a chamber between the shell and the substrate; a planar electrode disposed on an upper surface of the substrate; a separator disposed within the chamber dividing the chamber into an upper reservoir and a lower reservoir; a cannula inserted into the opening in the rigid shell and in fluid communication with the upper reservoir; Equipped with At least one sharp corner is formed on the surface of the planar electrode; Micro delivery device. [Item 2] 2. The microdelivery device of item 1, wherein the planar electrode has a first side and a second side opposite the first side in a cross-sectional view, and at least one sharp corner is formed on the first side and / or the second side. [Item 3] 2. The microdelivery device of item 1, wherein the planar electrode has a first side and a second side opposite the first side in a cross-sectional view, the planar electrode further having a top surface connecting the first side and the second side, and at least one sharp corner formed on the top surface. [Item 4] 2. The microdelivery device of item 1, wherein the planar electrode further comprises a top surface and a bottom surface opposite the top surface, the area of ​​the top surface being greater than the area of ​​the bottom surface and forming a sharp corner between the side surface and the top surface in a cross-sectional view. [Item 5] 2. The microdelivery device of item 1, wherein the sharp corner has an acute angle in the range between 0.01-90°. [Item 6] 2. The microdelivery device of item 1, wherein the sharp corner has a width ranging between 0.01-100 μm. [Item 7] 2. The microdelivery device of item 1, wherein the sharp corners are formed by isotropic or anisotropic etching methods. [Item 8] 4. The microdelivery device of any one of items 1, 2, and 3, wherein the sharp corners are formed on the surface in a zigzag pattern and protrude from the surface. [Item 9] 4. The microdelivery device of any one of items 1, 2, or 3, wherein the sharp corners are formed on the surface in the form of pyramidal tips and protrude from the surface. [Item 10] 2. The microdelivery device of item 1, wherein the planar electrode is a porous electrode. [Item 11] 2. The microdelivery device of item 1, further comprising an electronic device electrically connected to the planar electrode. [Item 12] 2. The microdelivery device of item 1, wherein the planar electrode is hydrophilic and the substrate is hydrophilic.

Claims

1. a substrate having a top surface; a shell disposed on top of the substrate, the shell forming a chamber between the shell and the substrate; a planar electrode disposed on an upper surface of the substrate; a separator disposed within the chamber dividing the chamber into an upper reservoir and a lower reservoir; a cannula inserted into the opening in the shell and in fluid communication with the upper reservoir; Equipped with At least one sharp corner is formed on a surface of the planar electrode; the planar electrode has a first side and a second side opposite the first side in a cross-sectional view, and the at least one sharp corner is formed on the first side and / or the second side. Micro delivery device.

2. A substrate having an upper surface; a shell disposed on top of the substrate, the shell forming a chamber between the shell and the substrate; a planar electrode disposed on an upper surface of the substrate; a separator disposed within the chamber dividing the chamber into an upper reservoir and a lower reservoir; a cannula inserted into the opening in the shell and in fluid communication with the upper reservoir; Equipped with At least one sharp corner is formed on a surface of the planar electrode; the planar electrode has a first side and a second side opposite the first side in a cross-sectional view, the planar electrode further has a top surface connecting the first side and the second side, and the at least one sharp corner is formed on the top surface. Micro delivery device.

3. The microdelivery device of claim 1 , wherein the sharp corner has an acute angle ranging between 0.01-90°.

4. The microdelivery device of claim 1 , wherein the sharp corner has a width in the range between 0.01-100 μm.

5. The microdelivery device of claim 1 , wherein the sharp corners are formed by a method of isotropic or anisotropic etching.

6. 3. The microdelivery device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the planar electrode is a porous electrode.

7. 3. The microdelivery device of claim 1 or 2, further comprising an electronic device electrically connected to the planar electrode.

8. 3. The microdelivery device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the planar electrode is hydrophilic and the substrate is hydrophilic.

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