Painless drug delivery through microneedle-based transdermal patches featuring active infusion

IEEE Trans Biomed Eng. 2008 Mar;55(3):1063-71. doi: 10.1109/TBME.2007.906492.

Abstract

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.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Cutaneous*
  • Animals
  • Diabetes Mellitus / drug therapy*
  • Drug Therapy, Computer-Assisted / instrumentation*
  • Drug Therapy, Computer-Assisted / methods
  • Equipment Design
  • Equipment Failure Analysis
  • Hypoglycemic Agents / administration & dosage
  • Insulin / administration & dosage*
  • Insulin Infusion Systems*
  • Male
  • Microinjections / instrumentation*
  • Microinjections / methods
  • Pain / prevention & control
  • Rats
  • Rats, Sprague-Dawley

Substances

  • Hypoglycemic Agents
  • Insulin