Digital Microfluidic Drug Delivery With On-Demand Concentration Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transdermal delivery systems struggle with modulating the rate of active ingredient delivery and are limited by expensive polysilicon fabrication for advanced active matrix electrowetting on dielectric (AM-EWoD) devices, which restricts parallel assays and reactions, and lack flexibility in drug release mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A low-power active molecule delivery system using a digital microfluidic platform with a porous diffusion layer and reservoirs, allowing on-demand release and variable concentrations of active molecules, integrated with a controller for precise control and wireless activation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If polysilicon is used for AM-EWoD fabrication, then device functionality and reliability are improved, but manufacturing cost increases substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs amorphous silicon TFTs instead of expensive polysilicon TFTs, using a cheaper material that is sufficient for the application. This substitution dramatically reduces fabrication cost while maintaining the required device functionality for droplet manipulation and delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameter from polysilicon to amorphous silicon, which alters the fabrication cost parameter while maintaining electrical functionality. This material substitution enables cost-effective production of AM-EWoD devices with thousands of addressable electrodes.
2Ease of manufacture
If passive matrix devices are used, then ease of fabrication is improved, but the number of addressable electrodes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a static passive matrix architecture to a dynamic active matrix architecture with TFT switches and control logic. This enables programmable control of individual droplets and electrodes, allowing massive parallel assays and complex delivery sequences with thousands of addressable electrodes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal platform where the same AM-EWoD array can perform multiple functions: droplet generation, transport, mixing, splitting, and delivery to various destinations. The programmable control enables the device to adapt to different assay configurations and delivery requirements.
3Ease of operation
If transdermal delivery patches are used, then passive diffusion delivery is achieved, but the rate of delivery cannot be modulated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces static passive diffusion with dynamic electrowetting-controlled delivery. By applying voltage to specific electrodes, the system can actively control droplet movement and release timing, enabling modulated delivery rates that can be adjusted based on patient needs and response to therapy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where delivery parameters can be monitored and adjusted based on patient response. The system can detect when a patient has reached therapeutic levels and modulate or stop delivery accordingly, providing adaptive control over the delivery rate.
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
Enables flexible, on-demand delivery of varying drug concentrations and simultaneous administration of multiple drugs, enhancing patient autonomy and compliance through smart device integration and remote control.
Implementation Method 1
Digital microfluidic devices use independent electrodes to propel, split, and join droplets in a confined environment, thereby providing a 'lab-on-a-chip.' Digital microfluidic devices are alternatively referred to as electrowetting on dielectric, or 'EWoD,' to further differentiate the method from competing microfluidic systems that rely on electrophoretic flow and/or micropumps.
Implementation Method 2
Penetration of the molecule occurs by passive diffusion, often over a period of several hours.
Data Source
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AI summary
An active molecule delivery system whereby active molecules can be released on demand and/or a variety of different active molecules can be delivered from the same system and/or different concentrations of active molecules can be delivered from the same system. The invention is well-suited for delivering pharmaceuticals to patients transdermally. In some embodiments, the system includes two separate reservoirs and a mixing area thereby allowing precursors to be mixed immediately before transdermal delivery.