Bioorthogonal Iontronic Chemistry: Spatiotemporal Drug Release with Electronic Precision

Introduction

I envision a new drug delivery system capable of spatiotemporal release with electronic precision. This technology is based on Biontronic Chemistry (BC), which combines Bioorthogonal Release (BR) and Iontronic transport to overcome the drawbacks of each individual technology and combine their unique advantages.

Technology Overview

An electronic ion pump (IP) will enable programmable electrophoretic transport of chemical triggers without liquid flow or moving mechanical parts. This will initiate the ultrafast and selective bioorthogonal release (BR) of drugs at the target site to generate previously unobtainable dynamic concentration-time profiles. Hence, BC translates electrical stimuli, of arbitrary frequencies and amplitudes, into tailor-made biochemical concentration/time profiles.

Expansion of Concepts

By incorporating surface release functionalities and orthogonal bioorthogonal chemistries, I will further expand the concept and demonstrate choreographed cascade releases. This will afford individually programmable release of multiple compounds with distinct concentration/time profiles.

Methodology

We will map out this large parameter space using a combination of:

1. Rational chemical design
2. Computationally aided device physics and engineering
3. Fluorescent model systems
4. Evaluation in cell models

Implications for Science and Therapy

T2S will lay the foundation for new directions in science and offer unprecedented opportunities for various therapies wherein choreographed, spatiotemporal control of multiple drug releases is key (e.g., cancer, nerve regeneration, and aging).

Hypothesis and Goals

My hypothesis is that if we combine local drug delivery and chronotherapy, we can dramatically increase treatment efficacy and reduce (if not completely eliminate) side effects.

Vision for the Future

My overarching goal is to create a Switch that elevates medicine to the 5th dimension (5D), thus paving the way towards a paradigm shift in drug delivery and our understanding/ability to manipulate biological spacetime by delivering the right dose (1D) at the right place (3D) at the right time (1D).