Micro-dose Ocular Delivery Device Using Piezoelectric Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional eye droppers fail to administer a precise dose of liquid formulations to the ocular surface, leading to waste and patient discomfort due to excessive volume, overflow, and reflex tearing, making it difficult to deliver a known amount of active agent effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for delivering a micro-dose of ophthalmic agents directly to the ocular surface using a handheld device with a piezoelectric or electromagnetic actuator, emitting a collimated stream that can be precisely aligned with the eye, allowing a controlled volume (typically 1-15 μl) to be accommodated by the tear film, minimizing overflow and discomfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional eye droppers dispense larger volumes (30-50 μl), then the dropper can deliver sufficient medication, but the eye can only retain about 7 μl causing overflow and loss of most medication
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the volume parameter of the dispensed liquid formulation from conventional 30-50 μl down to micro-dose volumes of about 1-15 μl. This parameter change ensures the entire dose can be retained on the ocular surface without overflow, eliminating medication loss while maintaining therapeutic efficacy.
2Quantity of substance
If conventional eye droppers dispense large volumes (30-50 μl), then the dropper can deliver sufficient medication, but it causes blinking reflex that removes majority of fluid and causes discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The invention reduces the volume parameter to micro-dose levels (1-15 μl), which is sufficient to trigger the blinking reflex and cause discomfort. This parameter change eliminates the harmful blinking reflex and associated discomfort while maintaining therapeutic efficacy.
3Ease of operation
If conventional eye droppers are used, then administration can be performed, but it is not possible to administer a precise, known dose of active agent
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the liquid formulation delivery into precisely controlled micro-dose volumes (1-15 μl) using a specialized dispensing device. This segmentation enables accurate delivery of a known amount of active agent, achieving both ease of operation and measurement precision.
4Ease of operation
If conventional eye droppers are used, then administration can be performed, but substantial waste occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the delivery parameter from conventional large-volume dispensing to precise micro-dose delivery (1-15 μl). This parameter change ensures complete retention of the dispensed formulation on the ocular surface, eliminating waste while maintaining ease of administration.
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 precise delivery of a known amount of ophthalmic agent to the ocular surface, reducing waste and discomfort, with the ability to self-administer or administer by a caregiver, effectively treating ocular conditions with reduced adverse effects.
Implementation Method 1
handheld device with a piezoelectric or electromagnetic actuator
Implementation Method 2
handheld device with a piezoelectric or electromagnetic actuator
Data Source
AI summary
Methods of administering a liquid formulation of an ophthalmic agent to a topical ocular location of an eye are provided. Aspects of the methods include delivering to the topical ocular location a dose of the liquid formulation that can be wholly accommodated by the tear film of the eye. Devices and kits for practicing the methods are also provided. The methods, compositions and kits find use in a variety of applications, including therapeutic, diagnostic and cosmetic applications.