Design, fabrication, and characterization of a MEMS-based disposable drug reservoir
Abstract
This thesis presents the design, fabrication, testing, and analysis of a disposable drug delivery reservoir single dose module that can be inserted into a miniature drug delivery system. Designed to deliver drugs, such as insulin, via subcutaneous delivery, this miniaturized assembly is primarily intended to increase diabetes patient compliance by offering a more conveniently sized and semi-autonomous apparatus. The materials of silicon, Sylgard 184 PDMS-based elastomer, acrylic, and Kapton HN polyimide were chosen as the fabrication materials based on their mechanical and biomechanical properties, as well as availability. Drug delivery reservoirs have been successfully designed, fabricated, and tested. Reservoirs have been evaluated for their fluid retention and fluid extraction performance when stored for up to three weeks at 4, 21, and 37 degrees C. Diffusion coefficients though the silicone membrane have been calculated from the fluid retention data and suggest a strong temperature dependence of the diffusion coefficient, but minimal membrane stress and internal pressure dependence. Experimentally measured diffusion coefficients, deformed membrane geometry, and internal pressure have been compared with theoretically calculated, published, and simulated results and show good agreement. This, therefore, demonstrates first proof-of-concept for the proposed reservoir and lays the foundation for future studies focused on optimization of reservoir materials and geometry for reliability and manufacturability, as well as validation of reservoir functionality and performance using physiologically-relevant drug solutions.
Degree
M.S.M.E.
Advisors
Rao, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Biomedical engineering|Mechanical engineering|Packaging
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