MEMS BASED DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEM USING MICROPUMP

MEMS based Drug Delivery System (DDS) using an in-plane micropump enables us to make a compact, inexpensive system. This paper presents the new design of transdermal drug delivery system. A conceptual DDS design is proposed. This design consists of a unit which houses the micropump, electronic and power circuitry. This implantable unit is connected to a subcutaneous port via a silicone catheter. The subcutaneous port acts as a refillable reservoir. This leads to a reduction in unit volume and makes the system customizable. The DDS pumps drug into surrounding tissue with the help of a MEMS-based micropump. The force generated by the MEMS actuator and the displacement of the tip is determined with the help of FEM simulations using ANSYS. The results from the displacement were verified experimentally. A lumped parameter model was made to estimate the flow rate through the outlet of the DDS. Microfluidic interconnects to the micropump were fabricated and packaged. Packaging of interconnects uses processes like anodic bonding, micro-drilling and fiber alignment. Future work will be focused on refining the DDS model, conducting experiments to measure tip-force of pump actuators, experimental measurement of the flow generated, and implementation of electronic, RF and power components of the DDS