Active microneedle array
AssigneeWisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
InventorsBenjamin J. Moga, David J. Beebe
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An active microneedle array and method are provided for penetrating an outer layer of the epidermis. The active microneedle array includes a base having first and second sides. The first side of the base is engageable with the epidermis. A microneedle projects from the first side of the base. The microneedle is moveable between a first initial configuration and a second deformed configuration in response to engagement with the epidermis so as to form a passageway therein.
Claims23
An active microneedle array for penetrating the outer layer of the epidermis, comprising:
- a base having first and second sides, a first side engageable with the epidermis;
- and
- a microneedle projecting from the first side of the base and including first and second flexible sidewalls, the microneedle moveable between a first initial configuration wherein the first and second sidewalls define a flowpath therebetween and a second deformed configuration wherein the first and second sidewalls are adjacent in response to engagement with the epidermis so as to facilitate the penetration of the outer layer by the microneedle, wherein:
- the microneedle has an elasticity, the elasticity urging the microneedle towards the initial configuration after penetration of the outer layer so as to form an opening in the outer layer.
(canceled)
An active microneedle array for penetrating an outer layer of the epidermis, comprising:
- a base having first and second sides, a first side engageable with the epidermis;
- a microneedle projecting from the first side of the base, the microneedle including first and second sidewalls moveable between a first initial configuration wherein the first and second sidewalls define a flowpath therebetween and a second deformed configuration wherein the first and second sidewalls are adjacent;
- and
- an aperture extending between the first and second sides of the base, the aperture being positioned adjacent the microneedle;
- wherein:
- the first and second sidewalls are is urged toward the initial configuration;
- the first and second sidewalls move to the deformed configuration in response to engagement with the epidermis so as to facilitate the penetration of the outer layer by the microneedle;
- and
- the first and second sidewalls are urged towards the initial configuration after penetration of the outer layer by the microneedle so as to form a passageway therein.
(canceled)
(canceled)
(canceled)
A method of penetrating an outer layer of an epidermis, comprising the steps of:
- providing a microneedle array having a base and microneedle projecting therefrom, the microneedle having an initial configuration and terminating at an apex;
- engaging the epidermis with the apex of the microneedle such that the microneedle deforms from a first intial configuration to a second deformed configuration and the apex of the microneedle penetrates the outer layer of the epidermis to form a perforation therein;
- and
- generating a force on the epidermis with the microneedle in the perforation such that the microneedle stretches the perforation and creates a passageway in the outer layer.
(canceled)
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.