Biodegradable Carrier Implants for Uniform Tumor Drug Diffusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for localized delivery of therapeutic agents, such as for treating malignant neoplasms, suffer from uneven distribution and inefficiency, leading to incomplete treatment and potential drug resistance due to unpredictable diffusion and dispersion within tissues.
Innovation Solution
Carrier devices with a biodegradable exterior shell and interior matrix are used for controlled release of pharmaceutical compositions, allowing precise placement and predictable diffusion of therapeutic agents within tissues, optimized by a treatment planning system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a simple subcutaneous hypodermic injection is used to deliver a therapeutic agent, then the delivery method is simple and cost-effective, but the therapeutic agent exposure is highly uneven through the target tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the therapeutic agent delivery by using multiple micro needles arranged in an array, where each micro needle delivers the agent to a specific location within the target tissue. This segmentation allows for more uniform distribution across the tissue volume compared to a single injection point.
Solution Approach 2:
The device applies local quality by having each micro needle deliver the therapeutic agent to a specific local region within the target tissue. The micro needles are positioned to target different depths and locations, ensuring that each region receives an appropriate dose, thereby achieving uniform overall distribution.
2Ease of operation
If a finite bolus of therapeutic agent is injected without continuous pressure, then the delivery method is simple, but the agent does not distribute efficiently beyond the initial location
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs preliminary action by pre-positioning multiple micro needles at specific locations and depths within the target tissue before delivering the therapeutic agent. This pre-positioning ensures that the agent is distributed efficiently to multiple locations simultaneously, rather than relying on passive diffusion from a single point.
3Productivity
If the exterior shell dissolves or erodes quickly, then the therapeutic agent is released rapidly, but the exposure duration is too short for effective treatment
Solution Approach 1:
The device applies dynamics by designing the exterior shell with controlled dissolution or erosion characteristics that allow for sustained release of the therapeutic agent over an extended period. The shell material and structure are engineered to dissolve at a rate that maintains therapeutic agent exposure throughout the treatment duration, balancing rapid initial release with prolonged effectiveness.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Ensures uniform exposure of therapeutic agents to targeted tissues, enhancing treatment efficacy and reducing drug resistance by providing controlled, localized delivery.
Implementation Method 1
the exposure is mostly determined by the ability of the agent (carmustine) to escape from the biodegradable polymeric matrix and diffuse into the surrounding tissue
Implementation Method 2
GLIADEL® Wafers are biodegradable discs infused with the anti-cancer drug (chemotherapeutic agent) carmustine, which is released over several weeks
Data Source
AI summary
Described are devices, systems, and methods for controlled delivery of therapeutic and/or diagnostic agent(s) in a tissue in a subject. In particular, provided are carrier devices in which the agent(s) may be enclosed. One or more carrier devices may be injected or implanted at target loci in a tissue, such as in a malignant neoplasm. The agent(s) may diffuse from the carrier devices in a predetermined and controlled manner. Further provided are methods for developing optimized parameters for intraparenchymal placement of carrier devices and diffusion of the agent(s), to achieve an optimized therapeutic exposure in the target tissue. Further provided are devices and systems for intraparenchymally placing carrier devices at desired loci in a tissue.