Apparatus and method for delivering a biologically active compound into a biological environment
First Claim
1. Apparatus for controlled delivery of a biologically active compound to a biological environment comprising:
- first and second compartments separated by a moveable partition;
the first compartment including a screen or membrane forming at least a portion of a side of the first compartment, the first compartment containing a polymer gel network which undergoes a volume change in response to an environmental condition which varies in the biological environment;
the second compartment containing an effective amount of the biologically active compound and including an orifice communicating with the biological environment;
whereupon volume change of the polymer gel network moves the partition and causes the biologically active compound to be discharged into the biological environment through the orifice.
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Accused Products
Abstract
System for delivery of a biologically active substance into an environment. First and second chambers are separated by a moveable partition. The first chamber includes a polymer gel network which undergoes a volume change in response to an environmental condition such as pH. The first compartment includes a screen or membrane for confining the polymer gel network while allowing communication with fluid in an environment. The second compartment contains a biologically active compound or drug which is delivered to the environment through an orifice in the second compartment. Upon the occurrence of the triggering environmental condition, the polymer gel network undergoes a volume change which moves the moveable partition expelling the drug through the orifice. Drug delivery is initiated and continues only when the appropriate environmental condition or trigger is met.
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Citations
12 Claims
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1. Apparatus for controlled delivery of a biologically active compound to a biological environment comprising:
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first and second compartments separated by a moveable partition; the first compartment including a screen or membrane forming at least a portion of a side of the first compartment, the first compartment containing a polymer gel network which undergoes a volume change in response to an environmental condition which varies in the biological environment; the second compartment containing an effective amount of the biologically active compound and including an orifice communicating with the biological environment; whereupon volume change of the polymer gel network moves the partition and causes the biologically active compound to be discharged into the biological environment through the orifice. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. Apparatus for controlled delivery of a composition comprising:
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a compartment containing the composition; and a polymer gel adapted to undergo a volume change in response to a preselected physical condition;
the volume change causing the composition to be expelled from the compartment. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12)
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Specification