Pioneering medical advances through nanofluidic implantable technologies

Abstract

Nanofluidic implantables represent a recent advance in a broad effort for developing personalized, point-of-care medical technologies. Such systems have unprecedented potential when matched with the newest developments in robotics, microprocessing, and tissue engineering. In this review, we present their emergence in medicine within the fields of diagnostics, biosensing, therapeutics, and theranostics. Discussion includes current limitations and future directions for these systems, as commensurate advances in power density and electronic processing are continually redefining the possible. As the research and funding attention coincide with complementary technological breakthroughs, the field is expected to grow into an advanced toolset for preserving human health. WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 2017, 9:e1455. doi: 10.1002/wnan.1455.

Emerging Technologies for Local Cancer Treatment

“…On another note, biomedical microelectromechanical systems/nanoelectromechanical systems (BioMEMS/BioNEMS) based micro-or nano-fluidics platforms encompassing either transdermal or implantable modalities are emerging approaches for local controlled release to confine drug to the tumor. [94][95][96] For example, iontophoresis is a non-invasive type of transdermal drug delivery that enhances penetration of charged molecules across the skin under an applied electric field. This technique is currently used in the clinic for pain management, hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), with some research directed toward treatment of inflammatory conditions.…”

An Innovative Polymeric Platform for Controlled and Localized Drug Delivery

“…Personalized medicine approaches tailored to an Pharmaceutics 2023, 15, 1795 2 of 13 individual patient's genetic and phenotypic nuances are a shared vision across medicine. Although cervical cancer treatment is selected on a case-specific basis, new sustained drug delivery systems for treating a localized area are urgently needed to increase the survival rate for metastatic and/or recurrent cervical cancer in patients [7][8][9].…”

Nanofluidic peristaltic pumps made from silica thin films

“…The simulated structure showed that the membranes would actuate, and that the stress due to actuation would not exceed the fracture stress of our materials. Since implantable devices for medical analysis and drug delivery is a particularly compelling motive for this type of miniaturization [14], we report now on the application of our structure as a pump.…”