NU 2007-023B

Inventors

• Dean Ho*
• Houjin Huang
• Mark Chen
• Erik Pierstorff

Abstract

Invasive biomedical devices such as implants must be stable in the body and compatible with human tissue. When such devices are used for drug delivery, there is an additional requirement for controlled, localized elution of the therapeutic substance. Parylene is an FDA-approved, semi-permeable, biocompatible substance that can be deposited evenly on almost any surface. A variety of copolymetric matrices have previously been conjugated with therapeutic agents, allowing for timed release of drugs from implanted surfaces. Northwestern researchers have constructed parylene-encapsulated copolymer membranes suitable for drug delivery purposes. These membranes present a variety of medical functionalities for timed, localized elution of drugs with reduced risk of device rejection by patient tissue.

Applications

• Device coatings: implants, stents, sensors, etc.
• Stand-alone membrane technology

Advantages

• Increases effective longevity of coated devices by several days
• Augments efficacy of therapeutics by concentrating localization
• Reduces effects on non-target cells: beneficial for chemotherapy and anti-inflammation treatments

IP Status

Issued US Patent No. 8,263,104