Dissolvable Microneedle Transcutaneous Delivery for Burn Wound Infection Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for burns, particularly major burns, face challenges in controlling infection and promoting wound closure due to limitations in topical antimicrobials and the need for timely excision and grafting, leading to increased morbidity and mortality from sepsis and delayed healing.
Innovation Solution
A transcutaneous multimodal delivery device (TMDS) comprising dissolvable microneedles and a sustained delivery and retention component, which provides controlled release of antimicrobial agents like silver and growth factors to penetrate eschar without reaching viable tissue, promoting infection control and tissue ingrowth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If topical antimicrobials are applied to burn wounds, then bacterial colonization is reduced, but infection control remains insufficient and sepsis rates remain high
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the antimicrobial delivery system into multiple microneedles that penetrate the eschar to deliver drugs directly to the wound bed, separating the delivery mechanism from the burn surface to achieve more effective infection control
Solution Approach 2:
The microneedles serve as an intermediary vehicle to transport antimicrobial agents through the eschar barrier, enabling direct delivery to the wound bed where infection control is most critical
2Productivity
If excision and grafting are performed early, then wound closure is accelerated, but tissue damage and morbidity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs preliminary action by delivering antimicrobials and growth factors to the wound bed before excision, creating a protected environment that reduces the need for aggressive tissue removal and accelerates healing
Solution Approach 2:
The device changes the pharmacological parameters at the wound site by delivering controlled amounts of antimicrobials and growth factors, modifying the local environment to promote healing without requiring extensive excision
3Adaptability or versatility
If antimicrobial agents are delivered systemically, then broad spectrum coverage is achieved, but blood flow to necrotic zones is insufficient for effective delivery
Solution Approach 1:
The device replaces the mechanical circulation system with a direct penetration approach, using microneedles to physically breach the eschar barrier and deliver drugs directly to the wound bed, bypassing the limitation of blood flow to necrotic zones
4Quantity of substance
If dissolvable microneedles are used to penetrate eschar, then drug delivery to wound bed is improved, but microneedle dissolution control is challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The device controls microneedle dissolution by adjusting material composition and environmental parameters, ensuring the microneedles dissolve at the appropriate rate to deliver drugs effectively while maintaining structural integrity during application
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 TMDS enhances antimicrobial activity and tissue healing by maintaining effective drug levels and promoting wound closure, reducing bacterial colonization, and minimizing tissue damage, thereby accelerating recovery and reducing mortality and morbidity.
Implementation Method 1
dissolvable microneedles having a dimension so as to allow the microneedles to penetrate eschar of skin without reaching viable tissue
Implementation Method 2
SDR component comprises a release control vehicle to provide a controlled release of the first therapeutic drug or the second therapeutic drug
Data Source
AI summary
A transcutaneous multimodal delivery device for drug delivery and the methods of making and using the same are provided.