Painless drug delivery through microneedle-based transdermal patches featuring active infusion.
This paper presents the first microneedle-based transdermal patch with integrated active dispensing functionality. The electrically controlled system consists of a low-cost dosing and actuation unit capable of controlled release of liquid in the microliter range at low flow-rates and minimally invasive, side-opened, microneedles. The system was successfully tested in vivo by insulin administration to diabetic rats. Active infusion of insulin at 2 mul/h was compared to passive, diffusion-driven, delivery. Continuous active infusion caused significantly higher insulin concentrations in blood plasma. After a 3-h delivery period, the insulin concentration was five times larger compared to passive delivery. Consistent with insulin concentrations, actively administered insulin resulted in a significant decrease of blood glucose levels. Additionally, insertion and liquid injection was verified on human skin. This study shows the feasibility of a patch-like system with on-board liquid storage and dispensing capability. The proposed device represents a first step towards painless and convenient administration of macromolecular drugs such as insulin or vaccines.
Roxhed
Niclas
N
Microsystem Technology Laboratory, School of Electrical Engineering, Osquldas vag 10, 5th floor, KTH-Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm 10044, Sweden. niclas.roxhed@ee.kth.se
Samel
Björn
B
Nordquist
Lina
L
Griss
Patrick
P
Stemme
Göran
G
D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000818:Animals; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004360:Drug Therapy, Computer-Assisted / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D004867:Equipment Design; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D007328:Insulin / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D007332:Insulin Infusion Systems; D008297:Male; D008845:Microinjections / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D010146:Pain / Q000517:prevention & control; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley
D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents; D007328:Insulin