Current drug delivery technologies
rely on diffusion/degradation, and are neither targeted,
nor stimuli-responsive. Further, several MEMS-based
drug delivery devices have been formulated, but the
efficacy of introducing these drugs to the patient has
been compromised. Current technologies require direct
injection of a contrast agent, which can result in poor
targeting of tissues and interfering noise in the subsequent
image. Additionally, most MEMS-based drug delivery devices
must be surgically implanted and removed, causing potential
inflammatory response issues that can complicate effective
drug release. Finally, current drug delivery vehicles
are too large for systemic delivery, and they lack any
stimuli-responsive mechanism.
Invention Description
This technology embodies a MEMS/NEMS-based
drug delivery device. The main approach utilizes micro/nanofabrication
technology to develop micro- and nanocarriers that are
capable of releasing both drugs and contrast agents
in response to stimuli. This novel device not only achieves
accurate drug delivery, but it also provides for the
simultaneous non-invasive monitoring of both therapeutics
and the delivery device. It does this by delivering
the drug and the contrast agent at the same time; this
technique allows the easy evaluation of processes such
as whether the particles reach the desired target, intracellular
uptake, and subsequent release. Further, because this
device is injectable, no surgery is required, and potential
inflammatory responses are diminished. In addition to
being injectable, this device contains a physiologically
responsive lid that only allows drug release when triggered
by specific stimuli.
Benefits
Reduced side effects
Site-specific
Controlled
Increased bioavailability
Improved therapeutic effectiveness
Can be used for systemic, intracellular-targeted
delivery
Easy evaluation of the delivery
Reduced cost of development
Features
"Intelligent" release
mechanism
Delivers therapeutic and imaging
agents at the same time
Contains a physiologically responsive
lid
Market Potential/Applications
This technology can potentially incorporate
other stimuli-sensitive polymeric lids to control drug
release. This can also be used to target diseased cells
and tissues. Specifically, ligands can be attached to
the carrier to help accurately locate the target of
interest. Finally, the polymeric lid material can be
used as a coating or shaved to create stimuli-sensitive
polymeric nanoparticles.
Development Stage
Proof of concept completed.
IP Status
One U.S. Patent Application filed
UT Researcher
Krishnendu Roy, Ph.D., Department
of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at
Austin
Li Shi, Ph.D., Department of Mechanical Engineering,
The University of Texas at Austin
