A Micropump with the Potential to Transform Diabetes Care
Within MuSiC4Diabetes, the Fraunhofer Institute EMFT is engineering an innovative implantable micropump that enables unobtrusive diabetes care. The pump is part of the artificial pancreas, a closed-loop system, that the consortium is developing. In addition to the pump, it consists of a multi-metabolite sensor and an algorithmic forecasting system, which together result in a fully automated diabetes management. The highly precise pump is based on MEMS (micro-electro-mechanical systems) technology, which combines mechanical and electronic components on a microscopic scale.
Picture of the micropump. Source: Fraunhofer EMFT
High Precision Mechanics on a Microscopic Level
The pump is made of silicon. This material is highly suitable for the engineering of very small and light devices. The pumping mechanics is based on the so-called piezoelectric effect: through the application of alternating voltages, a tiny ceramic membrane inside the pump bends back and forth. This motion creates a repeating cycle of suction and release within the pump chamber enabling a highly precise insulin dosing.
Combining Reliable Dosing with State-Of-The-Art Safety Features
The insulin used within the micropump is highly concentrated, and any leakage could cause severe health risks. To mitigate this risk, the Fraunhofer team has integrated an additional safety valve into the pumping system. When the pump is active, the fluid pressure keeps the safety valve open whereas when the pump is turned off the valve prevents drug flow. The system is able to differentiate pumping pressure from external pressure – e.g. experienced at high altitudes – and keeps the valve shut when the pump is inactive. Furthermore, the valve also helps to mitigate false dosing caused by air bubbles.
Promising Applications beyond Diabetes Management
For people living with diabetes, the implantable MuSiC4Diabetes device will facilitate daily diabetes management by tailoring medication precisely to their needs. The implant is engineered to remain in the body for several years, while the insulin reservoir needs to be refilled approximately every six months. Thanks to this unobtrusive long-term solution people with diabetes will experience mental relief, because their condition takes a back seat. The pumping technology that Fraunhofer is currently developing is also applicable to other medical conditions such as post-operative care, chronic pain or cancer treatment. The fact that the pump technology used by MuSiC4Diabetes can also benefit other areas of medicine underscores the importance of further promoting MEMS technologies for European healthcare.