Microfluidics and Bio-Mems

Drug Delivery Systems

Drug delivery systems are a therapeutic application of bio MEMS. Pumps delivering insulin in implantable devices are samples of a drug delivery system. Other examples include the Medtronic SynchroMed Pump that administers morphine within the spine, and piezo electrically activated pumping devices used for drug delivery applications. Researchers also are examining long-term integration of living cells with inorganic materials creating a sensing and delivery platform both in vitro and in vivo. The vivo application creates a completely unique immune-isolation environment for the cells. This technique could provide a way of avoiding host immune rejection responses with transplants. It could also allow the transplanting of cells from donor to host for purposes of obtaining secretory products for the host.