基于微推进器的遥控释药胶囊的研制

Study of a novel remote controlled capsule for drug release based on microthruster

本文将微推进器用于遥控释药胶囊,解决了传统释药胶囊由于机械负压而引起的药物回流,无法完全释药的问题。微推进器是该遥控释药胶囊最关键的部件,它由基于MEMS的微加工技术制成的微点火器构成,内填充二硝基重氮酚作为起爆剂,黑火药为推进剂。通过微推进器动力学分析获取推进剂理论值。点火实验证明了推进器的可行性;体外释药实验表明仅需要16～20 mg推进剂即可完成一次点火达到完全释药。整个部件功耗低,仅需166 mW,并通过安全性分析,证明其安全可靠。

In present investigation, a solid propellant microthruster is developed and incorporated in the remote controlled capsule （RCC） to resolve the drug reflux issue caused by the negative pressure commonly encountered in conventional drug delivery capsule. A MEMS-based microigniter is built inside the microthruster to perform the detonation of the propellant black powder. The theoretical value of the propellant mass is obtained by mechanical analysis Ignition tests were made to justify the feasibility and reliability of the microthruster. Results of drug release tests in vitro demonstrate that 16--20 mg propellant could trigger successful combustion that leads to one complete drug release from the RCC. The entire operation of this mechanism consumes 166 mW. Safety analysis proves its safety and reliability.