Iontronics pump for pain therapy

Important results from the project

The main technical developments have been to adapt the ion pump for a model for peripheral pain. The model implies that ion pumps must be designed to be fully implanted within the animal and still be easy to handle for clinicians. The implantable devices should be made of soft materials similar to the surrounding soft tissue. Ultimately, the goal has been to develop the technology to be ready to move from proof-of-concept to full preclinical testing. We have achieved this goal.

Expected long term effects

Devices have been verified in vitro by delivering the nerve-blocker to peripheral neurons associated with pain. The verification led to two important conclusions: i) devices can effectively deliver the drug-of-choice (nerve-blocker bupivacaine); ii) required dosage for animal testing can be reached. The results of mock-up implantations were very positive and show that the materials, geometry, “zip-tie” anchoring around the nerve, and transdermal wiring worked exactly as planned. Together with in vitro testing, the devices are proven to be ready for functional in vivo testing.

Approach and implementation

This M4H project brought together expertise in iontronic drug delivery and fabrication (LiU, RISE) with preclinical pain research expertise (KI). Device designs, material combinations, and processes have been developed and prototypes have been iteratively evaluated by the preclinical team at KI, leading to ever better, more effective, and therapy-compatible devices. The twinned research between early-stage-researchers at LiU and KI has furthermore created an environment that’s fostered an interdisciplinary culture of effective collaboration across the tech-bio divide.