US 12,746,379 B2 · Flexible light-integrated microneedle therapy device

Abstract

A wearable therapeutic device integrates a flexible light-emitting layer with a microneedle array for simultaneous phototherapy and transdermal drug delivery. The device includes a flexible substrate supporting a quantum dot light-emitting diode (QLED), organic light-emitting diode (OLED), or LED system, emitting therapeutic light at a wavelength optimized for photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) and, in some embodiments, antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT). A biodegradable or dissolvable microneedle array penetrates the skin to deliver non-opioid analgesics, anti-inflammatory agents, biologics, or cosmetic formulations. A power supply and control module modulates light intensity, duration, and wavelength, while integrated sensors monitor treatment conditions. The combination of light therapy and microneedle-based drug delivery enhances treatment efficacy, precision, and patient compliance. This minimally invasive device is adaptable for neuropathic pain management, wound healing, skin rejuvenation, and other medical or cosmetic applications.

Claims21

Dependent claims

A therapeutic device, comprising:

a. a flexible substrate comprising a transparent-conductor polymer substrate;
b. a light-emitting layer disposed on the flexible substrate, the light-emitting layer comprising quantum dot light-emitting diodes (QLEDs) or organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) providing substantially uniform areal emission over an emitter active area, being formed on the transparent-conductor polymer substrate, and configured to emit light at a therapeutic wavelength between approximately 630 nm and 660 nm;
c. a microneedle array disposed on or integrated with the light-emitting layer, wherein the microneedle array comprises microneedles that microneedles are configured to penetrate the epidermis and facilitate transdermal delivery of a therapeutic agent;
and
d. a power supply and control module operably connected to the light-emitting layer and configured to control intensity and duration and to select among two or more therapeutic wavelengths within the range recited in element (b).

2 more elements

A therapeutic device, comprising:

a. a flexible substrate;
b. a light-emitting layer disposed on the flexible substrate, the light-emitting layer comprising quantum dot light-emitting diodes (QLEDs), organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), or light-emitting diodes (LEDs) configured to emit light at a therapeutic wavelength between approximately 600 nm and 1064 nm;
c. a microneedle array disposed on or integrated with the light-emitting layer, wherein the microneedle array comprises microneedles that are configured to penetrate the epidermis and facilitate transdermal delivery of a therapeutic agent;
and
d. a power supply and control module operably connected to the light-emitting layer and configured to modulate the intensity, duration, and wavelength of emitted light;
and
e. a sensor system operably coupled to the power supply and control module, the sensor system configured to monitor local temperature, total delivered light dose, and microneedle penetration depth based on tissue impedance or optical backscatter, wherein the power supply and control module is configured to adjust treatment parameters responsive to signals from the sensor system and to prompt repositioning of the device or increased contact pressure when complete microneedle penetration is detected.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Flexible light-integrated microneedle therapy device

Life of this patent

Flexible light-integrated microneedle therapy device

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims21