Localized Iontophoretic Drug Delivery via Electrode Array Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional transdermal iontophoretic drug delivery systems fail to ensure uniform drug distribution across the skin due to uneven current flow, particularly on areas with varying skin conditions and resistance, potentially irritating wounds and reducing effectiveness in other areas.
Innovation Solution
A localized transdermal iontophoretic drug delivery system featuring an electrode assembly array with multiple electrodes and power sources, allowing for controlled current distribution and drug delivery based on skin conditions, with reconfigurable electrodes and power source pairing to address uneven skin resistance and wound sensitivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a large electrode is used to cover the entire face to form a transdermal drug delivery mask, then the coverage area is increased, but the current flow becomes uneven and concentrates only in small areas, resulting in non-uniform drug delivery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a single large electrode into multiple smaller electrodes arranged in an array. Each electrode can be independently controlled to deliver current uniformly across the entire facial area, preventing current concentration in specific regions and ensuring even drug distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables different electrodes or regions of the electrode array to have different current delivery characteristics tailored to specific facial areas. This allows customization of current density and drug delivery parameters for different skin zones, achieving uniform overall delivery while accounting for local variations.
2Area of stationary object
If a large electrode is used for transdermal drug delivery, then the coverage area is increased, but the current selectively avoids areas with higher resistance, resulting in very uneven distribution of drug delivery
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the electrode into multiple independent units, the system can individually adjust current delivery to each electrode based on local skin resistance characteristics, ensuring reliable and consistent drug delivery across all areas including those with higher resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control of current delivery to each electrode based on real-time feedback or pre-programmed parameters. This allows the system to adapt to varying skin resistance conditions and maintain consistent drug delivery reliability across different facial regions.
3Area of stationary object
If a large electrode is used to cover the entire face, then the coverage area is increased, but when the user has a wound on the skin, the delivery current may be concentrated on the wound, not only irritating the wound but also reducing the ability to deliver the drug to other areas
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented electrode array allows the system to identify and isolate electrodes contacting wounded areas. Current can be selectively reduced or eliminated from electrodes over wounds while maintaining normal delivery from other electrodes, preventing wound irritation and preserving drug delivery to healthy areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms to detect changes in skin impedance or current flow patterns that indicate wound presence. This feedback enables automatic adjustment of current distribution to avoid concentrating current on wounded areas, preventing irritation while maintaining effective drug delivery elsewhere.
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
The system achieves precise control over the amount, depth, and speed of drug delivery, ensuring uniform distribution and avoiding adverse effects on sensitive areas, such as wounds, by customizing current flow according to specific skin regions and conditions.
Implementation Method 1
at least two electrodes in the electrode assembly array are provided with a medium containing an electrically charged active agent, and the current pushes the active agent to the skin layer at a time period during which the current has the same polarity as that of the active agent
Data Source
AI summary
A localised transdermal iontophoretic drug delivery system which controls localised transdermal drug delivery doses, transdermal drug delivery depths and transdermal drug delivery speeds is provided. The system includes a power supply, a current driving assembly, an optional switch matrix or multiplexer, and electrode assemblies or an electrode assembly array. The localised transdermal iontophoretic drug delivery system accurately controls a drug delivery current distribution between any electrode combination, so as to locally control a transdermal drug delivery dose, a transdermal drug delivery depth and a transdermal drug delivery speed, in order to implement accurate drug delivery to a user's skin.