BME PhD Preliminary Exam Announcement for Juan C. Mesa (Dr. Hyowon "Hugh" Lee, Advisor)

Title: Towards a Fully Automated and Wearable Emergency Drug Delivery System

Everyone is invited to attend the public presentation beginning at 12:00 PM (Noon).

Date: November 17, 2025

Time: 12:00 PM (Noon)

Location: MJIS 2001 and Zoom

Zoom link: https://purdue-edu.zoom.us/j/99406996591?pwd=lyrvFLc1OHeY3kz4gwxzDTpljHd7mL.1

Committee Members: Dr. Hyowon "Hugh" Lee (Chair); Dr. Chi Hwan Lee; Dr. Kinam Park; Dr. Steve Son

Abstract:  Opioid overdose remains a major public health crisis in the United States, responsible for nearly 80,000 deaths in 2023. Synthetic opioids such as fentanyl continue to drive this epidemic, underscoring the urgent need for rapid detection and autonomous intervention strategies. Although naloxone is the standard antidote, its effectiveness depends on timely administration, which is rarely possible when overdoses occur without witnesses or in areas with limited healthcare access. Current wearable or implantable systems for overdose monitoring lack integrated drug delivery capability, while existing mechanical patches are invasive and poorly accepted by users. To address this need, this project aims to develop a closed-loop, noninvasive, needle-free naloxone delivery system powered by the solid micropropellant BTATz (3,6-bis(1H-1,2,3,4-tetrazol-5-ylamino)-s-tetrazine), enabling rapid and controlled transdermal administration in response to physiological cues of overdose. The system integrates near-infrared spectroscopy for continuous respiratory monitoring and a microfabricated actuator capable of generating high-velocity microjets for immediate drug delivery. To support preclinical development, an in vivo fentanyl-induced rat overdose model will be established to characterize physiological responses to opioid toxicity and to provide preliminary validation of naloxone delivery strategies. Data from these studies will inform optimization of actuation parameters, dosing, and feedback control for future wearable prototypes. Successful completion of this project will demonstrate the feasibility and translational potential of micropropellant-driven closed-loop actuation for fast, autonomous, and life-saving drug delivery in opioid overdose emergencies.