Iontronic Devices for Controlled Drug Release with Electronic Precision

Ever since Paul Ehrlich’s magic bullet concept spatiotemporal drug delivery has been the guiding principle for targeted drug delivery in medicine. Here we will introduce a new technology based on ‘Biontronic Chemistry’: a combination of Bioorthogonal Release and Iontronic transport. Iontronic transport is achieved by an electronic ion pump, which enables the programmable electrophoretic delivery of chemical triggers without fluid flow or moving mechanical parts. These chemical triggers initiate the selective bioorthogonal release of highly potent drugs from a hydrogel located at the target site. By coupling bioorthogonal release with iontronic transport, we open up new possibilities for dynamic concentration-time profiles that were previously unobtainable. Moreover, ligation of potent therapeutics onto a hydrogel at the target site ensures local release and a high concentration of the drug, while the bioorthogonal approach significantly reduces side effects.

Biontronic Chemistry leverages the unique advantages of each technology, overcoming their individual limitations through synergistic combination. While iontronic transport is currently limited to small, permanently charged molecules, bioorthogonal chemistry lacks the programmability and spatiotemporal control provided by ion pumps. Together, these technologies create a powerful platform.

We will present preliminary results demonstrating the Biontronic concept, including optimized ion-selective, low leakage ion pumps, fluorescence experiments showcasing bioorthogonal release, in vitro studies demonstrating the on/off control of cytotoxicity, and wirelessly controlled implant prototypes.

Ultimately, Biontronic Chemistry offers precise control over on-demand release of highly potent therapeutics, enabling the delivery of the right drug, at the right place, at the right time.