Electronically controlled, intravaginal drug delivery

Abstract An electronically controlled drug delivery system is presented, which is designed for use in the vagina of airy cows. The electronics is manufactured from off-the-shelf components, based on a 16-bit microcontroller and a 433.92 MHz radio transceiver. All electronic components are placed inside a syringe. Controlled release is accomplished using electronic gas production from a gascell whose current is controlled by the microcontroller. The generated pressure propels the syringe piston and releases the drugs. Proof of principle experiments confirm that variable-rate, arbitrary-profile drug delivery can be achieved over several days of operation with an error in delivered volume of less than ±3 per cent or 5 mL and that the device and delivery profile can be controlled via its two-way radio link.