Design, Fabrication and Characterization of Magnetic Porous PDMS as an On-Demand Drug Delivery Device

Abstract

We introduce a novel, on-demand drug delivery device based on a biocompatible magnetic sponge. The sponge is made of a porous polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) mixed with carbonyl iron (CI) particles. The sponge is deformed under a magnetic field and consequently leads to releasing its contents. As a proof of concept study, three different CI/PDMS wt% ratios of 50%, 100%, and 150% were selected where, the 100% showed the most deformation under various magnetic fields. Although this sponge can solely be used as a potential drug delivery agent, a separate reservoir has been fabricated to protect the sponge and control the release rate. The final device has a diameter of 6 mm with a thickness of 2 mm. Controlled release of methylene blue (MB) and docetaxel (DTX) have been investigated to demonstrate the consistency and flexibility in adjusting the release rate from the device to suit different treatment requirements. Ex vivo tissue implantation has also been accomplished. This device is able to be implanted and deliver therapeutic agents at prescribed dosages.