Microfluidic device for drug delivery

• US 7,766,902 B2
• Filed: 01/22/2004
• Issued: 08/03/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 08/13/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (University of Wisconsin System)
• Original Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (University of Wisconsin System)
• Inventors: Mensing, Glennys A., Eddington, David T., MacDonald, Michael J., Beebe, David J.
• Primary Examiner(s): Sirmons; Kevin C
• Assistant Examiner(s): Gilbert; Andrew M
• Application Number:
  US10/762,664
• Publication Number:
  US 20050038379A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,385 Days
• Field of Search: 604 65- 67, 604/890.1, 604131-133, 604/151, 604/153
• US Class Current: 604/890.1
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2005/1726 the body parameters being measured at, or proximate to, the infusion site
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/141 with capillaries for restricting fluid flow
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/14248 of the skin patch type
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/14586 pressurised by means of a flexible diaphragm
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/16881 Regulating valves on-off valves, e.g. clamps A61M39/28

Abstract

A microfluidic device is provided for delivering a drug to an individual. The microfluidic device includes a body that defines a reservoir for receiving the drug therein. A valve interconnects the reservoir to an output needle that is insertable into the skin of an individual. A pressure source urges the drug from the reservoir toward the needle. The valve is movable between a closed position preventing the flow of the drug from the reservoir to the output needle and an open position allowing for the flow of the drug from the reservoir to the output needle in response to a predetermined condition in the physiological fluids of the individual.

Claims

1. A microfluidic device for delivering a drug to an individual, comprising:

a body defining a reservoir for receiving the drug;

an output needle having an input in communication with the reservoir and an output receivable within the individual;

an adhesive for affixing the body to the individual;

a pressure source including an hydrogel member expandable in response to exposure to a predetermined physical property, the hydrogel member engageable with the reservoir and urging the drug from the reservoir through the output needle as the hydrogel member expands; and

a valve defining a chamber and interconnecting the reservoir and the output needle, the valve movable between a non-actuated position wherein the valve prevents the flow of the drug from the reservoir to the output needle and an actuated position wherein the valve allows for the flow of the drug from the reservoir to the output needle, the valve including;

a flexible membrane for dividing the valve chamber into a drug flow portion and a trigger receiving portion; and

a trigger positioned within the trigger receiving portion of the valve chamber and having a first configuration with the valve in the non-actuated position and a second configuration with the valve in the actuated position; and

a first sensing needle having an input receivable in the individual and an output within the trigger receiving portion of the valve chamber, the first sensing needle allowing physiological fluids to pass from the individual to the trigger receiving portion of the valve chamber.

2. The microfluidic device of claim 1 wherein the trigger includes a hydrogel post, the hydrogel post changing configuration in response to exposure to a predetermined condition in the physiological fluids.