Digitally Controlled Microneedle Array for Programmable Drug Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current microneedle technologies for intradermal drug delivery lack precise control over timing, dosage, and drug profile, limiting their clinical applicability.
Innovation Solution
A drug delivery apparatus comprising an array of solid microneedles embedded with drugs and a light-to-heat-transducing element, activated by a digitally controlled wireless signal, allowing precise control over drug release through localized heating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional microneedles are used for intradermal drug delivery, then drug delivery to dermal microvasculature is achieved, but precise control over timing, dosage, and drug profile is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by incorporating light-to-heat-transducing elements with specific activation wavelengths into the microneedles. By changing the physical state of the microneedles from solid to liquid through controlled heating, the system achieves precise control over drug release timing and dosage. The microneedles are designed to remain stable at body temperature but undergo phase transition when exposed to specific wavelengths of light, enabling programmable drug delivery profiles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical activation methods with optical activation. Instead of requiring physical manipulation or chemical degradation triggers, the system uses light-to-heat-transducing elements that convert optical energy to thermal energy, melting the microneedle material and releasing the drug. This substitution enables remote, precise, and programmable control of drug delivery timing and dosage without complex mechanical mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple drug populations with different activation wavelengths are used, then independent control of multiple drug releases is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the microneedle array into multiple distinct populations, where each population contains microneedles with specific light-to-heat-transducing elements tuned to different activation wavelengths. This segmentation allows independent control of each drug population through selective optical activation. Each microneedle population is embedded with specific drugs and activated by distinct wavelengths of light, enabling the delivery of multiple drugs independently from a single integrated device.
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 and programmable drug delivery, allowing for independent control of multiple drug releases from a single device, enhancing the efficacy and flexibility of intradermal drug delivery.
Implementation Method 1
a light-to-heat-transducing (LTHT) element embedded within the microneedles. The digital signal turns on the light emitting element to a controlled intensity, which in turn is converted to heat by the LTHT element embedded within the microneedles
Implementation Method 2
This heating results in the localized melting of microneedles. Once the microneedles are in a liquid state, the drug contained within each melted microneedle is able to diffuse into the surrounding tissue
Implementation Method 3
Once the microneedles are in a liquid state, the drug contained within each melted microneedle is able to diffuse into the surrounding tissue and therefore be delivered into the user's blood stream
Data Source
AI summary
A drug delivery device having an array of solid microneedles embedded with drugs and a light-to-heat-transducing (LTHT) element and a flexible printed circuit board containing a light source, such as a light emitting diode, which can be activated to release the drug embedded in the microneedles through localized melting. The device is worn in contact with the skin of a user, which enables the microneedles penetrate the upper layers of the user's skin. Although in contact with a user's skin, the drugs are not delivered until the device is activated. Activation can occur by an external signal received by the device or through a signal based on a physiological state of the user determined through a sensor in a closed-loop control system.