Ion Conductive Device Controlled Delivery Electrode
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drug delivery technologies face challenges in achieving precise, localized, and controlled release of ions or drugs in the body, particularly in neurological disorders, where fast and specific delivery is needed, while minimizing side effects and device complexity.
Innovation Solution
An ion conductive device with a controlled delivery electrode system, utilizing three electrodes (source, target, and controlled delivery electrodes) to enable fast, millisecond-scale ion release with independent control over multiple delivery sites in a common target electrolyte, using an electronically and ionically conductive material as a pre-loaded reservoir.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single source electrolyte is used to supply ions to multiple delivery sites, then the device complexity is reduced, but it becomes difficult to independently control ion delivery at each site
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the ion delivery system into multiple independent controlled delivery electrodes (CDE1, CDE2, etc.), each capable of being independently controlled by separate electrical contacts. This segmentation allows each delivery site to be addressed individually while maintaining a single source electrolyte, resolving the contradiction between device simplicity and independent control capability.
2Reliability
If passive leakage is reduced to achieve good ON/OFF function, then delivery control is improved, but fast delivery speed when needed is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The controlled delivery electrode acts as an intermediary component between the ion conductive channel and the target electrolyte. It provides a regulated interface that can maintain low passive leakage while enabling rapid ion burst delivery when activated by an applied potential, thus resolving the contradiction between reliable ON/OFF control and fast delivery speed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate pumps are used to deliver ions to multiple target points, then independent delivery control is achieved, but the device becomes large and complex with many components
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs multiple controlled delivery electrodes that share a common source electrolyte and ion conductive channel structure. Each CDE can be independently controlled to deliver ions to different target sites, providing multi-functionality without requiring separate complete pump systems for each delivery point, thus reducing overall device complexity while maintaining independent control.
4Ease of operation
If drugs are delivered in a carrier fluid, then delivery control is improved, but the environment where the drug is delivered is diluted and pressure increases in confined compartments
Solution Approach 1:
The device extracts and eliminates the need for carrier fluid by delivering ions directly from the ion conductive channel through the controlled delivery electrode to the target electrolyte. This direct ion transfer mechanism avoids dilution of the target environment and prevents pressure buildup in confined compartments while maintaining precise delivery control.
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 solution allows for precise, fast, and controlled delivery of ions or drugs to specific sites, reducing side effects and device complexity, enabling continuous or pulsed delivery without the need for additional reservoirs, and supporting the development of smaller, more versatile implantable devices.
Implementation Method 1
at least one ion conductive channel, wherein said first electrode is arranged at a first portion of the ion conductive channel
Implementation Method 2
said first and second electrodes provides an electrical control of an ion flow through the ion conductive channel
Implementation Method 3
said controlled delivery electrode comprising an electronically and ionically conductive material
Implementation Method 4
said controlled delivery electrode comprising an electronically and ionically conductive material
Implementation Method 5
said electrical contact provides for an electrical control potential over the controlled delivery electrode to control an ion flow
Data Source
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AI summary
A device (100) comprising a first electrode (104) provided at or in a source electrolyte (101), and at least one ion conductive channel (103), wherein said first electrolyte (101) is arranged at a first portion (201) of the ion conductive channel (103), and a second electrode (105) provided in a target electrolyte (102), wherein said target electrolyte (102) is arranged at a second portion (202) of the ion conductive channel (103), and wherein said first and second electrodes provides an electrical control of anion flow through the ion conductive channel (103), wherein the device further comprises at least one controlled delivery electrode (114) arranged adjacent to or in the second portion of the ion conductive channel (103), wherein said first and second electrodes further are arranged to provide an electrical control of anion flow through the controlled delivery electrode (114) to the target electrolyte (102), and wherein said controlled delivery electrode (114) is adapted to deliver ions from said ion conductive channel (103) to said target electrolyte (102), and wherein said controlled delivery electrode (114) comprising an electronically and ionically conductive material (107) and an electrical contact (106), wherein said controlled delivery electrode (114) is arranged in ionic contact with, and between, said ion conductive channel (103) and the target electrolyte(102), wherein said electrical contact (106) provides for an electrical control potential (V CDE ) over the controlled delivery electrode (114) to control an ion flow between the controlled delivery electrode (114) and the target electrolyte (102).