Microfluidic Transdermal Device for Controlled Drug Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current transdermal delivery systems face limitations due to the skin's barrier properties, which restrict the delivery of medications to only small molecules, and existing microneedle-based devices struggle with dosage control, pain during insertion, and complexity in design and fabrication.
Innovation Solution
A microfluidic delivery device comprising a film with liquid reservoirs and microfluidic channels connected to outlet ports, integrated with microneedles that can pierce the skin, allowing for precise control of benefit agent delivery and simultaneous administration of multiple agents using Additive Manufacturing for enhanced precision and ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If transdermal delivery systems are used to deliver medications through the skin, then small molecules can be delivered effectively, but large molecules cannot penetrate the skin barrier
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the benefit agent delivery into two pathways: microneedles for large molecules and microchannels for small molecules, allowing each pathway to be optimized for its specific molecule type while working together in a single device
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed with multi-functionality to handle both large and small molecules simultaneously through different delivery mechanisms (microneedles and microchannels), making it versatile for various therapeutic applications
2Measurement precision
If microneedle arrays are used to pierce the skin for drug delivery, then delivery control is improved, but device complexity and fabrication difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device merges microneedles and microchannels into a single integrated structure, combining the dosage control advantage of microneedles with the fluid delivery capability of microchannels, thereby reducing overall device complexity compared to separate systems
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses hydraulic principles through microchannels to enable precise control of fluid flow and dosage delivery, achieving measurement precision without requiring complex mechanical control systems
3Measurement precision
If hollow bore microneedles are used for drug delivery, then dosage control is enhanced, but pain during insertion and fabrication complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the needle population into different types (hollow bore and solid) with different functions, allowing optimization of each type for its specific role while reducing overall pain and complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs disposable microneedles that are simple in structure and easy to manufacture, reducing fabrication complexity and ensuring safety without requiring complex reusable mechanisms
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 device enables efficient and controlled delivery of benefit agents across the skin, overcoming the limitations of traditional systems by allowing for the delivery of both small and large molecules, improving dosage control, and reducing pain and complexity in device fabrication.
Implementation Method 1
microneedles that can pierce the skin
Implementation Method 2
Microfluidics is the science dealing with the behavior, precise control, and manipulation of fluids that are geometrically constrained to a small, typically sub-millimeter, scale
Data Source
AI summary
A transdermal delivery device includes a film having first and second outwardly facing major surfaces; at least one liquid reservoir contained within the film; at least one microfluidic channel having a transverse dimension between about 100 nm and 0.5 mm disposed within the film and in fluid communication with the at least one liquid reservoir; and at least one outlet port associated with at least one microneedle operatively connected to the first outwardly facing major surface of the film in fluid communication with the at least one microfluidic channel.