Interdigitated Electrode AC Field for Chemical Compound Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for delivering chemical compounds, such as drugs, across membranes like skin or nails are limited, especially for non-polar or large molecules, as they require a motivating force and often result in harmful byproducts or are inefficient due to the use of DC electrical signals.
Innovation Solution
The application of a non-uniform AC electric field using interdigitated electrodes to induce dielectrophoresis, which polarizes and moves polarizable compounds through membranes by creating an electromotive force, allowing for the delivery of both polar and non-polar substances, including drugs, across or into tissues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If DC electrical signals are used to deliver chemical compounds across membranes, then a motivating force is provided, but harmful byproducts are generated and efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the electrical signal parameter from DC to AC, specifically using alternating current at frequencies that induce dielectrophoresis. This parameter change eliminates the harmful byproducts associated with DC electrolysis while maintaining the motivating force needed for compound delivery across membranes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the DC-based iontophoresis mechanism with an AC-based dielectrophoresis mechanism. This substitution uses the dielectric properties of molecules in an alternating electric field to create a motivating force, avoiding the electrochemical reactions that produce harmful byproducts in DC systems
2Adaptability or versatility
If DC electrical signals are used to deliver chemical compounds across membranes, then transport is enabled, but non-polar and large molecules cannot be effectively delivered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the electrical signal from DC to AC and adjusts frequency parameters to resonate with or effectively interact with non-polar and large molecules. This enables the dielectrophoretic force to act on molecules regardless of their polarity or size, significantly expanding compound type compatibility while maintaining reliable delivery
Solution Approach 2:
The AC-based dielectrophoresis system provides universal applicability to different types of molecules including polar, non-polar, large, and small compounds. The alternating electric field interacts with the dielectric properties of all molecules, making the system multi-functional and adaptable to various compound types without sacrificing delivery effectiveness
3Object-affected harmful factors
If membranes are used to protect tissues, then tissue protection is provided, but chemical compound permeability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies an AC electric field before or during the delivery process to pre-condition the membrane and induce dielectrophoresis in the chemical compounds. This preliminary action creates the motivating force needed to overcome membrane impermeability while the membrane remains intact, thus maintaining tissue protection while enabling compound permeation
Solution Approach 2:
The AC electric field acts as an intermediary that facilitates the interaction between chemical compounds and the membrane. It provides the motivating force that enables compounds to traverse the membrane barrier without compromising the membrane's protective function, thus mediating between tissue protection and compound permeability
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
This method effectively transports therapeutic and cosmetic agents across membranes, enhancing delivery efficiency and reducing harmful byproducts, as demonstrated by successful transport of compounds like terbinafine hydrochloride through snake skin and cow hoof samples with high efficacy compared to DC field methods.
Implementation Method 1
The application of a non-uniform AC electric field using interdigitated electrodes to induce dielectrophoresis, which polarizes and moves polarizable compounds through membranes by creating an electromotive force
Implementation Method 2
polarizes and moves polarizable compounds through membranes by creating an electromotive force
Data Source
AI summary
Devices and methods for delivering a chemical compound to, through or into a membrane, tissue or layer are provided. The device may include an AC signal source and at least one electrode. In one application, an interdigitated electrode may be electrically connected to the AC signal source. In one application, the chemical compound such as a medicament containing a drug may be disposed on or within the electrode and logic may control the AC signal source to provide the signal, including setting or selecting characteristics such as voltage, frequency and the like to orient and/or motivate an amount of the chemical compound through the electrode and into the tissue.