Microfluidic Device Design
4/28/15 Microfluidic devices are designed to control extremely tiny droplets of fluid such as blood, drugs, or gel-like fluids. Tiny channels, v-grooves, holes, and valves are accurately positioned on tiny chips and surfaces to push, pull, pressurize, or atomize these fluids in order to give the microfluidic device the required functionality. Key to the efficient working of microfluidic devices are sub-micron surface finishes, extremely accurate adhesion and positioning of features in relation to other features, and an understanding of the fluid flow and interactions with external forces — such as static, temperature, pressure, and humidity.
MES creates features in the sub-micron range using several different processes including micro molding, micro machining, lithography, and direct ion etching. Some applications among many others that require this level of precision and positioning include microfluidic chips, insulin and other drug delivery valving, and drug aspirators.
This blog is one of our Micro Projects that we featured on our website. You can find more featured projects in our Micro Molding, Micro Machining and Micro Assembly pages.
Cutting edge MICRO technology in the medical and pharma fields
The words “micro molding” are in the news on a daily basis these days, and at MES, we strive at keeping on top of all the new developments, and in many instances we are the ones making the news!!
Everything being developed nowadays is getting smaller and smaller. This increases the demand to decrease the size of the components in these new devices. At this day and age, that size is called MICRO. Micro-sized components are in high demand to be included in everything from electronics to medical devices to cameras. The different fields that MICRO has creeped into has become enormous. Due to this high demand MES excels at keeping on top of cutting edge technologies, especially in the medical and pharmaceutical fields.
The desire to make smaller incisions during surgery, the need for more comfortable wearable medical devices and the longing to decrease the # of invasive surgeries are all frontline when it comes to medical and pharmaceutical R&D. We have recently worked on designing and manufacturing micro sized components for devices that sit in the human eye. It goes without saying that when it comes to putting something in our eyes, the smaller the better! Even a small piece of dust that gets in our eye is painful and irritable. Therefore when designing an ophthalmic component, working in the size of microns means everything.
We have assisted medical device companies with products that are smaller, therefore less invasive, when surgery is needed. Working on micro-sized components for these medical devices has been challenging, successful and very rewarding. And in the case of opting not to have surgery, we have been involved in swallowable dissolvable device research and development. In this field, new concepts allow for a human to swallow something in pill form that will examine the insides of the human body and give the results via wifi to the doctors. This reduces the amount of invasive exploratory surgery currently being done today.
We have written many interesting blogs and articles on cutting edge breakthroughs and advances in these fields. The outrageous concepts in yesterdays movies are quickly becoming the fascinating reality of today!
At MES we work extremely closely with numerous medical device OEMs, and we have an intimate understanding of the technologies that fall under the micro manufacturing umbrella. We appreciate the fact that micro molding is a disruptive technology. It clearly breaks down preconceived barriers restricting product design and cost-effective manufacturability. So for many OEMs, it represents a key part of the solution when grappling with new concepts and an attempt to remain profitable and competitive. We enjoy working in this cutting edge field and invite you to read more about what we do on our website and give us a call with any design questions you may have.
Wi-Fi Drug Delivery
4/15/15 Researchers have been successful in trial studies on mice using a wi-fi drug delivery procedure. They have developed a resorbable electronic implant that eliminates bacterial infection. It is a wireless heating device that consists of a serpentine resistor and a power-receiving coil made of magnesium deposited onto a silk protein layer.
The device was implanted in the infected tissue of mice and activated by a wireless transmitter for two sets of 10 minute heat treatments. Twenty-four hours later there was no sign of infection in that tissue and the surrounding tissue was also normal. After 15 days, the device completely dissolved and magnesium levels at the implant site and surrounding areas were comparable to levels usually found in the body.
This concept could lead to on-demand medical devices that are activated remotely and require no retrieval afterwards – a new “wi-fi” drug delivery!
Liquid Infused Polymers Repel Bacteria Build-up
4/7/15 Harvard’s School of Engineering and Applied Sciences researchers have invented a liquid-infused polymer, which is a slippery surface coating that can be applied to implants to repel bacteria build-up.
More than 80% of microbial infections are caused by a build-up of bacteria on implants such as urinary catheters and heart valves. This new coating is a powerful, long lasting repellent that can be used with medical materials to prevent the bacteria biofilms from forming. This technology leverages the molecular structure of polymers, allowing them to absorb large quantities of lubricant which can travel to the surface to provide a continuous slippery coating. So much liquid can be absorbed and slowly disbursed, it isn’t washed away by sterilization, urine, blood or other bodily fluids.
This type of material isn’t just for the medical field, it could some day be used to help in waste water treatment facilities, oil pipes, ice accumulation in airplane wings, etc. Todays technology is jumping in leaps and bounds and changing our lives forever!