Development of a disposable infusion system for the delivery of protein therapeutics.

This paper describes the development and optimization of a low flow open-loop infusion device for continuous delivery of protein therapeutics. Specifically, a non-electronic polymer device is actuated with responsive hydrogels to infuse at 2 microL/hr for 12 hours. Hydrogel actuators transduce a chemical signal (change in pH of the local environment) into a mechanical response (swelling) generating the pressure to drive the infusion. The hydrogel actuators are separated from the drug reservoir by an elastomeric impermeable membrane. As the hydrogel actuators expand, the expansion deflects the flexible membrane down and reduces the volume of the drug reservoir causing the infusion of drug through the needle that is the only outlet for the reservoir.