Devices and methods for enhanced microneedle penetration of biological barriers
First Claim
1. A device for transport of material or energy across or into an elastic biological barrier comprising:
- a microneedle having a tip end and a base end, a substrate connected to the base end of the microneedle, and a means for improving penetration of the biological barrier by the microneedle.
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0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Microneedle devices and methods of use thereof are provided for the enhanced transport of molecules, including drugs and biological molecules, across tissue by improving the interaction of microneedles and a deformable, elastic biological barrier, such as human skin. The devices and methods act to (1) limit the elasticity, (2) adapt to the elasticity, (3) utilize alternate ways of creating the holes for the microneedles to penetrate the biological barrier, other than the simply direct pressure of the microneedle substrate to the barrier surface, or (4) any combination of these methods. In preferred embodiments for limiting the elasticity of skin, the microneedle device includes features suitable for stretching, pulling, or pinching the skin to present a more rigid, less deformable, surface in the area to which the microneedles are applied (i.e. penetrate). In a preferred embodiments for adapting the device to the elasticity of skin, the device comprising one or more extensions interposed between the substrate and the base end of at least a portion of the microneedles.
360 Citations
45 Claims
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1. A device for transport of material or energy across or into an elastic biological barrier comprising:
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a microneedle having a tip end and a base end, a substrate connected to the base end of the microneedle, and a means for improving penetration of the biological barrier by the microneedle. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 45)
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44. A kit of parts for use in transport of material or energy across or into an elastic biological barrier, comprising
(i) a device comprising one or more microneedles having a tip end and a base end, and a substrate connected to the base end of the microneedle, and (ii) an adhesive film or barrier-tightening chemical, either of which can be applied over an area of the biological barrier to be penetrated by the microneedle.
Specification