Delivery system and process

Abstract

A delivery system, including: a material for storing molecules and/or nanoparticles by substantially binding said molecules and/or nanoparticles to said material; means for applying an electric field to said material to release said molecules and/or nanoparticles; and means for applying an ultrasonic signal to said material to transport said molecules and/or nanoparticles through said material to a surface for delivery to an entity.

1 .- 69 . (canceled) 
   
   
       70 . A delivery process, including:
 applying an electric field to a material to release molecules and/or particles substantially bound within said material; and   applying an ultrasonic signal to said material to transport the released molecules and/or particles through said material to a surface for delivery to an entity placed in contact with said surface.   
   
   
       71 . The process as claimed in  claim 70 , wherein said material includes a polymeric material. 
   
   
       72 . The process as claimed in  claim 71 , wherein said polymeric material includes an electro-conductive polymer. 
   
   
       73 . The process as claimed in  claim 71 , wherein said polymeric material includes an electroconstrictive polymer. 
   
   
       74 . The process as claimed in  claim 71 , wherein said material includes a hydrated gel. 
   
   
       75 . The process as claimed in  claim 70 , wherein said molecules are an active agent for delivery to biological tissues. 
   
   
       76 . The process as claimed in  claim 70 , wherein said particles contain an active agent for delivery to biological tissues. 
   
   
       77 . The process as claimed in  claim 75 , wherein said active agent includes one or more drugs, hormones, antibodies, liposomes, and/or peptides. 
   
   
       78 . The process as claimed in  claim 75 , wherein said biological tissues include mucosal tissues. 
   
   
       79 . The process as claimed in  claim 78 , wherein said biological tissues include an eye or ocular adnexae, buccal or gingival mucosa and teeth, anal or vaginal mucosa, or skin. 
   
   
       80 . The process as claimed in  claim 70 , including introducing said molecules and/or particles into said material to substantially bind said molecules and/or particles within said material prior to the application of said electric field. 
   
   
       81 . The process as claimed in  claim 70 , including contacting said entity with said surface to deliver said molecules and/or particles to said entity. 
   
   
       82 . The process as claimed in  claim 81 , wherein said ultrasonic signal penetrates said entity to enhance delivery of said molecules and/or particles into said entity. 
   
   
       83 . The process as claimed in  claim 81 , wherein said surface applies an electric field to assist said delivery by iontophoresis. 
   
   
       84 . The process as claimed in  claim 70 , wherein said entity is a human or animal, and the process includes contacting a barrier membrane of said human or animal with said surface to deliver said molecules and/or particles to said human or animal, wherein said ultrasonic signal enhances permeability of said barrier membranes of said entity to enhance delivery of said molecules and/or particles into said human or animal. 
   
   
       85 . The process as claimed in  claim 84 , wherein said barrier membrane includes skin, tunics of the eye, mucus membranes, or a tympanic membrane of the ear. 
   
   
       86 . The process as claimed in  claim 85 , wherein the tunics of the eye include the cornea, sclera, uveal tract, or retina. 
   
   
       87 . The process as claimed in  claim 85 , wherein the mucus membranes include membranes lining the gastrointestinal tract, vagina, rectum, mouth, or nasal cavities. 
   
   
       88 . The process as claimed in  claim 70 , wherein said molecules include an ink or dye for printing or marking said entity. 
   
   
       89 . The process as claimed in  claim 88 , including controlling an intensity of said ultrasonic signal to determine a depth of said printing or marking in said entity.