Electronically controlled, intravaginal drug delivery

An electronically controlled drug delivery system is presented, which is designed for use in the vagina of dairy cows. The electronics is manufactured from off-the-shelf components, based on a 16-bit microcontroller and a 433.92 MHz radio transceiver. All electronic components are placed inside a syringe. Controlled release is accomplished using electrolytic gas production from a gascell whose current is controlled by the microcontroller. The generated pressure propels the syringe piston and releases the drugs. Proof of principle experiments confirm that variable-rate, arbitraryprofile drug delivery can be achieved over several days of operation with an error in delivered volume of less than (plus-minus)3 per cent or 5 mL and that the device and delivery profile can be controlled via its two-way radio link.