Transforming portable drug delivery

With several complementary fluid delivery technologies in its portfolio,
Eksigent develops systems that produce the highly precise and accurate
flow characteristics required for a number of breakthroughs in
medical device applications.

Eksigent's EKPump™ technology enables the generation and control of precise,
pulse-less flow at rates of one nanoliter to several milliliters per minute.

By applying an electrical potential across a fluid-filled porous medium, the system generates an electro-osmotic force while avoiding hydrolysis and its undesirable effects such as gas generation and pH changes. As a result, EKPump technology can generate significant flow rates for a variety of medical device applications.

Principle of Eksigent's pumping technology

The following diagram illustrates the principle of EK pumping.

EKPump devices generate flow by electro-kinetic forces where precise flow characteristics are achieved by controlling the electric potential across a fluid filled porous membrane:

1. A DC current (from a small battery) is supplied to the pump.
2. Liquid to be pumped is input to the pump.
3. Electrodes are powered to operate the pump.
4. Voltage applied across the membrane pumps fluid without any moving parts.
5. Pressurized liquid exits the pump.

When an EKPump is used in a medical device, an indirect pump may be used to separate the Electrokinetic buffer from the drug.

Infusion devices

Eksigent's medical devices take advantage of its EKPump technology. They are compact, disposable devices that bring new levels of precision to drug infusion. Because of their small size, flexible configuration, low power consumption and ease-of-use, Eksigent's medical devices are ideally suited for emerging micro-pumping applications.

Eksigent's drug delivery systems can achieve a wide range of delivery rates and volumes. They can meet or exceed the performance of electronic ambulatory pumps at a much lower cost. Performance areas include delivery accuracy, low flow continuity and occlusion detection. Both implantable and external drug delivery systems are currently under development.

In addition to drug delivery systems, other medical device applications such as sample collection for diagnostics, fluid drainage, apparatus cooling, and catheter based devices are good applications for the technology.

Examples of EKPump configurations

EKPumps can be custom configured for specific applications and products. Pressure, flow rates, and power requirements are tailored to meet your specific needs. Below are examples of EKPumps configurations that have been designed for specific applications.

	NANOFLOW		MICROFLOW		LOW FLOW		HIGH FLOW
APPLICATION	Implantable pump		Single drug portable pump		Single therapy disposable pump		Disposable ambulatory pump
FLOW RATE	4 nL/min	33 nL/min	0.2 µL/hour	5 mL/hour	0.5 mL/hour	50 mL/hour	10 mL/hour	250 mL/hour
AVAILABLE PRESSURE (stall)	20 PSI	96 PSI	12 PSI	48 psi	12 psi	120 psi	12 psi	120 PSI
PRESSURE (operating)	<1 PSI	3 PSI	2 PSI	2 PSI	7 PSI	7 PSI	7 PSI	7 PSI
POWER REQUIREMENTS	250 nW	24 µW	190 µW	15 mW	1 mW	300 mW	20 mW	2 W
APPLIED VOLTAGE	5V	24V	3V	12V	3V	30V	3V	30V

To discuss your particular EKPump application, please contact Deon Anex at danex@eksigent.com or call 925-560-2604.