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Docket #: S10-297

Drug Release Controlled by External Electric Field

Richard Zare's lab at Stanford University has developed a ground-breaking drug release system in which injected medication can be controlled externally with excellent spatial, temporal, and dosage control. Specifically, nanoparticles of a conducting polymer (polypyrrole) are loaded with the drug of interest and injected locally with the assistance of a temperature-sensitive hydrogel. The drug release from the conductive nanoparticles is controlled externally by the application of a weak, external DC electric field. Unlike other drug release systems which involve implantable chips or delivery of drugs with laser pulses, ultrasounds or magnetic fields, no surgery or complicated instrumentation is required.


Application of system: (a) Nanoparticle-polymer solution is (b) subcutaneously injected into a mouse, followed by (c) application of a DC electric field to induce release of the drug cargo inside the nanoparticles.

Applications

  • Drug delivery - wide range of applications such as pain control, cancer treatment, diabetes control.

Advantages

  • Simple release mechanism - straightforward instrumentation is needed, no surgery
  • Convenient dosing - singel dose injected once and controlled externally
  • Minimally invasive - weak electric field is applied from outside the body
  • Minimizes side effects by targeting drugs to localized areas.

Publications

Stage of research

Using a mouse test system, the inventors have demonstrated that they could control the dosage and timing of drug release by varying the strength and duration of an external electrical field. The mouse studies also showed that the polypyrrole gel breaks down completely after one or two months with no apparent side effects.

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