An oral delivery device based on self-folding hydrogels

A self-folding miniature device has been developed to provide enhanced mucoadhesion, drug protection, and targeted unidirectional delivery. The main part of the device is a finger like bi-layered structure composed of two bonded layers. One is a pH-sensitive hydrogel based on crosslinked poly(methyacrylic acid) (PMAA) that swells significantly when in contact with body fluids, while the other is a non-swelling layer based on poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA). A mucoadhesive drug layer is attached on the bilayer. Thus, the self-folding device first attaches to the mucus and then curls into the mucus due to the different swelling of the bi-layered structure, leading to enhanced mucoadhesion. The non-swelling PHEMA layer can also serve as a diffusion barrier, minimizing any drug leakage in the intestine. The resulting unidirectional release provides improved drug transport through the mucosal epithelium. The functionality of this device is successfully demonstrated in vitro using a porcine small intestine.