Control of drug release from capsules using high frequency energy transmission systems

In the present investigations new drug delivery systems have been developed, which are controlled by a computer and a high frequency energy transmission system. The capsules consist of a drug reservoir, a high frequency receiver, a gas generating section and a piston to pump a drug solution or drug suspension out of the reservoir. Mechanical energy is generated inside the capsule through electrolysis, if a 27 MHz high frequency field is in resonance with the receiver inside the capsule. Two different miniaturised oscillatory circuits were constructed, which act as the receivers in the capsules. Tramadol was used in release experiments as a model drug. Delayed and pulsed release profiles were obtained. A computer-controlled system was constructed, in which the programmed release profiles are compared with the actual release of the drug. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.