Innovating Science® - Engineering a Drug Delivery System

Biomedical engineers design devices, equipment, and processes to improve medical treatment methods and the quality of human health and life. They apply engineering principles to biology and medicine to create products such as prosthetic limbs and artificial organs, among others. One major focus of biomedical engineers is the design of drug delivery systems, which can control the transport and release of medicine in the body to more effectively treat diseases and illnesses. In this experiment, students will gain an understanding of drug delivery and its importance by testing simulated delivery systems in multiple environments that mimic different parts of the body. The delivery systems will be analyzed and compared, allowing students to engineer an optimal solution and learn what properties must be considered when designing new drug delivery systems. This lab has enough materials for 15 groups. Teacher's manual and student guide included.

Aligned to the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)*
Disciplinary Core Ideas: ETS1.A; ETS1.B; LS1.A; ETS1.C
Performance Expectations: MS-ETS1-1; MS-ETS1-2; MS-LS1-3; HS-ETS1-2
Cross Cutting Concepts: Influence of Science, Engineering, and Technology on Society and the Natural World; Systems and System Models; Science is a Human Endeavor
Engineering Practices: Asking Questions and Defining Problems; Engaging in Argument from Evidence; Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions

Kit Includes:
5g Simulated Drug
1L Hydrochloric Acid 1.0M
1L Sodium Hydroxide 1.0M
45 Hydrogel Delivery Systems
45 Plastic Delivery Systems
45 Cups, 5oz

DOT Info:
UN1789, Hydrochloric acid, 8, III, Ltd Qty
UN1824, Sodium hydroxide solution, 8, II, Ltd Qty

*"Next Generation Science Standards" is a registered trademark of Achieve. Neither Achieve nor the lead states and partners that developed the Next Generation Science Standards was involved in the production of, and does not endorse, this product.