Application of Micro- and Nano-Electromechanical Devices to Drug Delivery

Abstract

Micro- and nano-electromechanical systems (MEMS and NEMS)-based drug delivery devices have become commercially-feasible due to converging technologies and regulatory accommodation. The FDA Office of Combination Products coordinates review of innovative medical therapies that join elements from multiple established categories: drugs, devices, and biologics. Combination products constructed using MEMS or NEMS technology offer revolutionary opportunities to address unmet medical needs related to dosing. These products have the potential to completely control drug release, meeting requirements for on-demand pulsatile or adjustable continuous administration for extended periods. MEMS or NEMS technologies, materials science, data management, and biological science have all significantly developed in recent years, providing a multidisciplinary foundation for developing integrated therapeutic systems. If small-scale biosensor and drug reservoir units are combined and implanted, a wireless integrated system can regulate drug release, receive sensor feedback, and transmit updates. For example, an "artificial pancreas" implementation of an integrated therapeutic system would improve diabetes management. The tools of microfabrication technology, information science, and systems biology are being combined to design increasingly sophisticated drug delivery systems that promise to significantly improve medical care.

Implantable microchip: the futuristic controlled drug delivery system

“…However, the size of these devices are not restricted so that it could be much larger or smaller (52 mm) depending on use (Santini et al, 2000a). These microchip devices are now being commercially developed by the company by a Bedford, MA, called MicroCHIPS Technology (Webb, 2004;Gardner, 2006;Sharma et al, 2006;Staples et al, 2006). This company took its first step toward proving such a device is possible in March 2006, when results of the first animal test of an implantable drug-delivery system were published (Betancourt & Brannon-Peppas, 2006;Jonietz, 2006).…”

“…MEMS based devices have the potential to store the drugs in their most stable form, and release multiple medications at the appropriate time at which to dose each drug by opening various reservoirs on command (Maloney, 2003;Grayson et al, 2004a;Bramstedt, 2005). Such as, implantable microchips, a MEMS based drug delivery system, can be used for long-term treatment, complex dosing schedule, and/or an individualized or emergency-based dosing regimen (Staples et al, 2006;Staples, 2010). At this age of rapid advances in computer technology, it may not be long before microchips find their way from the desktop to the pharmacy (Langer, 1990).…”

Biofouling: lessons from nature

“…Micro-and nano-electromechanical devices help where long-term treatments with complex dosages are required. Advanced devices gather, use and communicate biological data to the healthcare workers [19,55,68,69]. Such devices often require biosensors, which limit the long-term operation owing to biofouling of electrode surfaces or membranes.…”

“…Such devices often require biosensors, which limit the long-term operation owing to biofouling of electrode surfaces or membranes. An ideal implantable drug-delivery device is small, resists biofouling (for example, by protective reservoirs), allows liquid or solid drug delivery and is controllable by healthcare workers [68,69]. Perhaps, the most recognized form of biofouling is found in the marine environment.…”

Novel drug delivery systems for glaucoma

“…67 Such a system has the potential for delivering both small and large neuroprotective molecules such as growth factors. 68 Another advantage of a MEMS-based system is that one can regulate the rate of drug release from the device by controlling the electrolysis. An active delivery system can allow the clinician to change the rate of delivery, based on the clinical assessment.…”