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Transform the Trajectory of a Student’s Life: Support ARCS’ Internship Program



California State University, Northridge

Research Project

PADRE: Preventing Air During Insulin Refilling

Research Team

Lead Researchers:

  • Dr. Vinicius Maron Sauer, Mechanical Engineering
  • Dr. Nhut Ho, Mechanical Engineering

Collaborators:

  • MiniMed:
    • Dmitri Kossakovski
    • Elizabeth Zanabria
    • Chia Chiu

    Student Team:

    • Isaiah Reoyo, MS, Mechanical Engineering
    • Alejandro Ruiz, MS, Mechanical Engineering
    • Marco Calderón, MS, Mechanical Engineering

    Funding

    • Funding Organization:
    • Funding Program:

    SYNOPSIS

    • Air bubbles in insulin pumps can affect dosage and pose potential dangers for users.
    • Current filling methods rely on manual priming, leaving room for human error that can create bubbles.
    • Project aims to develop automated/passive bubble-removal solutions
    • Goals: To achieve safer, easier, and more reliable insulin delivery for the user.
    Research Objectives

    • Reduce air bubble formation during reservoir filling with inexpensive methods.

    • Simplify the filling process for all users (including those with limited dexterity).

    • Maintain sterility and compatibility with existing pumps while keeping in compliance with the FDA.

    • Evaluate bubble reduction using a controlled air-bubble flow.

    Research Methods

    • Analyze the current filling process and identify failure points.

    • Develop multiple design concepts (passive + active bubble removal).

    • Build and test prototypes for

      • Bubble reduction

      • Fill time

      • Leakage

    • Conduct usability testing with diverse users.

    • Evaluate sterility, compatibility, and cost.

    • Evaluate bubble reduction using a controlled bubble flow.

    Research Results and Deliverables

    • Developed three design concepts:

      • Hydrophobic Venting Module (passive gas removal)

      • Vacuum Extraction System (active bubble removal)

      • Phase-Selective Needle (continuous separation)

    • Prototypes are designed and are waiting to be evaluated.

    • Demonstrated potential for substantial bubble reduction.

    Commercialization Opportunities

    • Application: Medical device for insulin pump users

    • Key Values: Improves safety and reliability, reduces user error, and enhances quality of life

    • Potential Customers: Diabetics, hospitals and clinics, medical device companies (e.g., MiniMed)

    Research Timeline

    Start Date:
    End Date: TBD

    Research Team

    Lead Researchers:

    • Dr. Vinicius Maron Sauer, Mechanical Engineering
    • Dr. Nhut Ho, Mechanical Engineering

    Collaborators:

    • MiniMed:
      • Dmitri Kossakovski
      • Elizabeth Zanabria
      • Chia Chiu

      Student Team:

      • Isaiah Reoyo, MS, Mechanical Engineering
      • Alejandro Ruiz, MS, Mechanical Engineering
      • Marco Calderón, MS, Mechanical Engineering

      Funding

      • Funding Organization:
      • Funding Program: