LUCID Invention by MIT‑affiliated Turkish Scientist Canan Dağdeviren
The LUCID developed by Turkish scientist Canan Dağdeviren, who is conducting scientific work at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the United States, aims to improve the delivery of drugs to brain tissue using ultrasonic technology.
Turkish scientist Prof. Dr. Canan Dağdeviren and the research team at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have developed a new device called LUCID aimed at delivering drugs more effectively to brain tissue. The study was announced by MIT on October 26, 2026, and its results were published in the journal Device. The technology holds potential for developing new methods that could be used in brain tumor treatments.
How Does LUCID Technology Work?
The system called Long‑Term Ultrasound‑Enhanced Convective Injection Device (LUCID) combines controlled drug infusion with miniature ultrasound transducers. Designed as a flexible, thin implant, the device incorporates a drug‑delivery channel printed in three dimensions into a series of 24 small ultrasound transducers. Ultrasound waves help the administered drug molecules spread over a wider area of surrounding brain tissue.
It May Help Overcome the Blood‑Brain Barrier
The blood‑brain barrier that protects the brain from harmful substances makes it difficult for many drugs to reach brain tissue. The mechanical vibrations produced by the LUCID system may temporarily increase the barrier's permeability. This could facilitate drug delivery to the target area and reduce spread to surrounding tissues. Researchers say the approach could also help lessen toxic effects that might arise in organs outside the treatment target.
In Experiments, Drug Molecules Spread Over a Wider Area
The research team tested the device on a gel‑like model that mimics human tissue and on mice. In the experiments, activating the ultrasound caused the drug molecules to disperse over a wider area compared to the situation where only an infusion was applied. In the mouse experiments, the spread of a contrast agent used in magnetic resonance imaging within brain tissue was examined. The system also succeeded in continuous wireless operation for 20 hours in the tissue model.
Usable in Glioblastoma Treatment
One possible application of the study is the postoperative treatment of glioblastoma, an aggressive brain tumor. Cancer cells that can remain after surgery may cause the disease to recur. Researchers consider that LUCID could be used in the future as a system that, when placed in the brain during surgery, releases drugs in a controlled manner. However, clinical trials are needed to demonstrate that the device is safe and effective in patients.
Also Holds Potential for Gene Therapy and Immunotherapy
The use of LUCID may not be limited to brain tumors. According to researchers, the technology could also be employed to deliver immunotherapy drugs and nucleic acids used in gene therapy to target tissues. Future stages include adapting it for different drug types and soft tissues outside the brain. The study was built upon earlier ultrasonic implant technologies by the Conformable Decoders research group led by Canan Dağdeviren.
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