FUTURE TECHNOLOGY
Smart Tape in the Future
WHAT IS SMART TAPE?
Smart Tape is a transdermal recovery tape that targets grade 3 ACL tears, or often known as a complete tear in the ligament.
Smart Tape will contain two types of medication, Buprenorphine and BMP-2 for humans.
Buprenorphine
Buprenorphine is an opioid medicine that binds to opioid receptors in the brain, blocking pain signals from the ACL injury. It is absorbed transdermally from the drug reservoir to the skin, then to the ACL. Additionally, Buprenorphine has a ceiling effect–after a certain dose, taking more will not increase its effectiveness which makes it safer than most stronger opioids, reducing the risk of overdose and addiction.
BMP-2 for Humans
In an experiment involving a rabbit’s acl recovery, scientists injected BMP-2, a protein that helps stem cells differentiate into a specific type of cell like osteoblasts, chondrocytes, fibroblasts, which are responsible for building new bone, cartilage, and ligament, respectively.
Transdermal Tape
The transdermal tape is made of five layers: an impermeable membrane, a drug reservoir, a semi permeable membrane, an adhesive layer, and a liner. The backing is the outermost layer that provides the support and secures the drug in the drug reservoir. Then the drug is released through the semipermeable membrane in the form of solution, suspension, or gel. The adhesive is responsible for contact with the skin and is kept sterile and functional before use by the liner.
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