EAGER: Drug Delivery Micro-device for Age-related Macular Degeneration

这项EAGER资助的目的是通过计算模拟和优化特定流速和输送时间的设计，调查植入式器械设计的可行性并评估其完整性。这一目标将通过执行以下任务来实现：（i）开发设计概念，通过不同长度、高度和宽度的纳米通道阵列进行计算模拟，并模拟几种候选药物分子的药物释放动力学;以及（ii）优化特定流速和递送时间的设计。在优化设计的基础上，将探索一个原型模型。由于在尺寸和延长的交付时间方面的挑战，这种使用计算和设计优化药物装置设计和完整性的方法从未被用于AMD装置。通道的药物输送设计，并将提供有价值的科学见解集成特性和植入式药物输送装置。研究用于AMD的植入式装置的设计完整性和集成性，例如EAGER项目中提出的装置，将有助于降低与频繁注射相关的成本和风险，并促进以受控的方式和治疗AMD疾病所需的量递送药物。因此，本发明提供了具有受控的药物动力学和递送时间的通道用于治疗AMD，从而使整个社会受益。该项目将为本科生和研究生提供与药物输送设备，计算研究和优化相关的多学科知识和培训。研究成果将被整合到课程PI？我们在ME和ECE课程中任教。弗吉尼亚大学工程学院？的暑期充实计划将扩大到包括与高中生外展活动中的项目相关工作。

The objective of this EAGER grant is to investigate the feasibility and assess the integrity of the implantable device design through computational simulations and optimizing the design for a specific flow rate and delivery time. This objective will be accomplished by implementing the following tasks: (i) Develop design concepts and conduct computational simulations through nano-channel arrays of varying length, height and width, and simulate the drug release kinetics for several candidate drug molecules; and (ii) Optimize the design for specific flow rate and delivery time. Based on the optimized design, a prototype model will be explored. This approach of using computations and design optimization for drug device design and integrity has never been examined for AMD devices due to challenges in size and extended delivery time.Intellectual meritThis project is a high-risk and high payoff and will provide a fundamental understanding of the physical and mechanical interactions through nano-channels of the drug delivery design and will provide valuable scientific insights into integration characteristics and implantable drug delivery devices. Investigating the design integrity and integration of implantable devices for AMD such as the one proposed in this EAGER project will help reduce the costs and risks associated with frequent injections and promote delivering the drug in a controlled manner and in the required amounts for treating AMD disease.Broader impactsThis project will design and develop a novel implantable drug delivery device incorporating nano-channels with controlled drug kinetics and delivery time for treating AMD, and thereby benefit society at large. This project will provide undergraduate and graduate students with multidisciplinary knowledge and training related to drug delivery devices, computational studies and optimization. The research results will be integrated into courses the PI?s teach in the ME and ECE curricula. The VCU School of engineering?s summer enrichment programs will be expanded to include this project related work in outreach activities with high school students.