Description:
- Ocular drug delivery
- Medical research
- Drug discovery
Abstract
To address this issue, researchers at USC have developed a novel valve that is low-profile, robust, and able to be incorporated into existing ocular devices. The valve is packaged inside a biocompatible heat-shrink tube and then inserted into standard round drug reservoirs. The valve is fitted with pressure limiters to afford higher dosage control. While the geometry presented here is specifically for the round devices used in ocular surgeries, the platform is highly modular. The construction and geometry of both the reservoirs and valves can be easily adapted to suit a wide range of applications.
Benefit
- Inexpensive
- Robust
- Adaptable
- Can be used both in and ex vivo
Market Application
Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices offer a promising platform for tailored drug delivery due to their ability to deliver highly controlled doses of a therapeutic to a precise target location. In order to carefully control drug dosage and prevent the backflow of bodily fluids into the device, MEMS rely on check valves to regulate internal flow. The valves are typically oriented out-of-plane (orthogonal to the device), making both packaging and implementation difficult. This is particularly apparent in applications with spatial and geometric limitations, such as ocular drug delivery systems which require round, low-profile devices.
Publications
Lo, Ronalee, and Ellis F Meng. "Heat-Shrink Packaged Microfluidic Check Valve with Dual Fluid Regulation." ResearchGate . N.p., 2011. Web. 2019
Stage of Development
- Experimentally validated
- Available for licensing