Micromuscle develops electro-active polymer technology
polymer technology that allows the controlled release of liquid
medications that reflect an emerging class of advanced materials
with new revolutionary properties.
A primary advantage of electro-active polymers (EAP) is the possibility to electrically control their behaviour and properties.
The electro-active polymers used by Micromuscle are characterised by their ability to swell and contract in response to a small, applied voltage.
In this way, microsystem technology will enable intelligent drug delivery, such as microsensors, microactuators and control units.
The technology also enables construction of small, moving and force-exerting components, also called micromuscles.
Micromuscle's approach is to place the device in the mouth inside a dental appliance resembling a natural tooth. The device will then make sure that the drug is correctly delivered according to the patient's needs.
Micromuscle and its technology have been selected as a provider of materials and technology for the EU-financed IntelliDrug project.
The project is aimed at developing an intelligent micro- and nano system to provide an alternative approach for the treatment of drug addiction and chronic diseases. The project is financed by the European Commission 6th Framework Programme
The project's aim is to develop an intelligent drug delivery device based on microsystem technology. The device will provide new therapeutic opportunities for people suffering from chronic diseases and drug addiction.
Other disciplines such as pharmacology are also involved in building a device contained inside the removable dental appliance. The device will be reloaded with fresh medication whenever needed.
"The contract also strengthens our position within emerging areas such as drug delivery and microfluidics," said Gert Kindgren, CEO of Micromuscle.
Micromuscle focuses on vascular applications where EAP has considerable potential and enables new functionality for medical devices.
"Besides generating revenues for our development work we also expect the project to contribute to our technology platform. Micromuscle also gets the opportunity to work together with leading experts in the field of microfluidics," commented Edwin Jager, CTO of Micromuscle.
"The development and characterisation work performed by our project partners will be valuable for the advancement of our EAP technology into new applications," he added.
The possibility to create moving structures and exert force enables new functionality for medical devices and other life science products.
The electroactive polymers used by Micromuscle are characterised by their ability to swell and contract when a small voltage is applied.
The mechanism behind this is based on electrochemistry. Swelling is caused by ions and water entering the polymer.
When the voltage is removed or reversed, the polymer contracts and resumes its original shape.
