A robust nanofluidic membrane with tunable zero-order release for implantable dose specific drug delivery

Lab Chip. 2010 Nov 21;10(22):3074-83. doi: 10.1039/c0lc00013b. Epub 2010 Aug 10.

Abstract

This manuscript demonstrates a mechanically robust implantable nanofluidic membrane capable of tunable long-term zero-order release of therapeutic agents in ranges relevant for clinical applications. The membrane, with nanochannels as small as 5 nm, allows for the independent control of both dosage and mechanical strength through the integration of high-density short nanochannels parallel to the membrane surface with perpendicular micro- and macrochannels for interfacing with the ambient solutions. These nanofluidic membranes are created using precision silicon fabrication techniques on silicon-on-insulator substrates enabling exquisite control over the monodispersed nanochannel dimensions and surface roughness. Zero-order release of analytes is achieved by exploiting molecule to surface interactions which dominate diffusive transport when fluids are confined to the nanoscale. In this study we investigate the nanofluidic membrane performance using custom diffusion and gas testing apparatuses to quantify molecular release rate and process uniformity as well as mechanical strength using a gas based burst test. The kinetics of the constrained zero-order release is probed with molecules presenting a range of sizes, charge states, and structural conformations. Finally, an optimal ratio of the molecular hydrodynamic diameter to the nanochannel dimension is determined to assure zero-order release for each tested molecule.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cattle
  • Dextrans
  • Diffusion
  • Drug Delivery Systems / instrumentation*
  • Fluorescein-5-isothiocyanate / analogs & derivatives
  • Glucose
  • Membranes, Artificial*
  • Microfluidic Analytical Techniques / instrumentation*
  • Microfluidic Analytical Techniques / methods
  • Microscopy, Atomic Force
  • Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  • Models, Chemical
  • Nanostructures / chemistry*
  • Nanotechnology / instrumentation*
  • Nanotechnology / methods
  • Particle Size
  • Serum Albumin, Bovine
  • Surface Properties

Substances

  • Dextrans
  • Membranes, Artificial
  • fluorescein isothiocyanate dextran
  • Serum Albumin, Bovine
  • Fluorescein-5-isothiocyanate
  • Glucose