Our project introduces the “APE” solution—an acronym for “Affordable, Potential, and Efficient”—designed specifically for patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This innovative approach aims to mitigate the frequency of acute episodes through a non-invasive, easily accessible, and self-automated device. We proposed three usages of MuScure:
The scented sachet, deeply rooted in the rich tapestry of Chinese incense culture, transcends mere fragrance. Historically, it has embodied cultural significance and aesthetic values. For instance, during the Tang Dynasty, artisans crafted intricate openwork scented sachets from silver, ingeniously designed to release incense without sparks or ashes. Additionally, in the Han Dynasty, sachets filled with medicinal herbs were instrumental in preventing airborne diseases, showcasing their therapeutic potential.
Inspired by these historical precedents, we have developed the “incense + IBD” concept. Leveraging the unique properties of muscone, we utilize alcohol as the solvent, which is emulsified through ultrasonication—a technique recognized for its efficacy in homogenizing liquid-solid suspensions. The application of ultrasound disrupts oil droplets, yielding stable oil-in-water emulsions with minimized droplet sizes.
Our device is designed with user-friendly power modes, empowering patients to adjust muscone concentration and treatment initiation according to their preferences. To ensure convenience, the device is encased within an easily accessible sachet bag, reflecting our commitment to enhancing user experience.
The emulsifier device is a sophisticated assembly designed to optimize the delivery of muscone, consisting of four key components: the emulsifier module, control module, medication storage, and user interface.
At the heart of the device lies the emulsifier module, which employs an STM32 microcontroller programmed using Arduino. This module facilitates ultrasonic emulsification, a process that harnesses high-frequency sound waves to create stable emulsions. By generating rapid pressure changes, the ultrasonic waves break down the muscone into fine droplets, enhancing its bioavailability. The emulsifier module is designed for efficiency and reliability, ensuring consistent performance over extended use.
The control module serves as the central processing unit of the system, integrating an Arduino Uno R3 with the ATmega 328P processor. This combination allows for precise management of the device's operations. We have implemented three distinct intensity modes—low, medium, and high—to enable users to customize the concentration of muscone based on their therapeutic needs. The control system features a rotating register that seamlessly cycles through the modes: off, low, medium, and high. This design not only enhances usability but also ensures that users can easily adapt the device's functionality to suit their preferences.
The medication storage component is engineered to safely and effectively contain the muscone-alcohol mixture, preserving its stability and efficacy. Designed with accessibility in mind, this compartment allows for easy refilling while maintaining the integrity of the therapeutic agent.
Lastly, the user interface is intuitively designed to enhance the overall user experience. It features clear indicators for the current mode and concentration, allowing users to monitor and adjust settings effortlessly. This ensures that patients can easily navigate the device and tailor their treatment according to individual requirements.
The concept of our user interface was inspired by a productive discussion during one of our patient interviews with Sara Levitt, who proposed the idea of using an application to monitor medication dosages. This suggestion sparked a brainstorming session on how the user interface could enhance the patient experience. We identified several key functionalities designed to simplify patient management of their treatment regimen, including:
Further investigation and background research are required for continued development, and more clinical experiments are needed to support the project. The user interface will be implemented upon the project's completion.
In the design of our refillable bracelet, we placed a strong emphasis on inclusivity, actively integrating feedback from a diverse range of ethnic and gender backgrounds obtained during patient interviews. This approach not only reflects our commitment to understanding the unique needs of all users but also ensures that the final product resonates with a broader audience. By selecting a bracelet over a traditional sachet bag, we addressed two significant concerns: first, the cultural unfamiliarity with sachet usage prevalent in Western contexts, and second, insights from male respondents who identified the potential inconvenience associated with using a sachet.
The bracelet is ingeniously crafted with a hollow compartment designed to securely contain muscone, allowing for its effective release through inherent volatility. Muscone is characterized by a relatively low volatility, which facilitates a controlled, steady, and mild release of medication. This feature is crucial for maintaining a consistent concentration of the therapeutic agent, ultimately enhancing the overall efficacy of the treatment.
Moreover, the muscone solution is meticulously blended with a selection of complementary fragrance ingredients, not only to enrich the sensory experience for the user but also to foster an environment that encourages regular refilling. This thoughtful design consideration aims to promote user engagement and adherence to the treatment regimen, thereby supporting better health outcomes.
[1] Taha A, Ahmed E, Ismaiel A, Ashokkumar M, Xu X, Pan S, Hu H. Ultrasonic emulsification: An overview on the preparation of different emulsifiers-stabilized emulsions. Trends Food Sci Technol. 2020;105:363-377. doi:10.1016/j.tifs.2020.09.024.