Microneedle array and method for producing microneedle array

• US 20090234301A1
• Filed: 05/21/2009
• Published: 09/17/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 11/22/2006
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Toppan Printing Co., Ltd. (TOPPAN Holdings, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Toppan Printing Co., Ltd. (TOPPAN Holdings, Inc.)
• Inventors: Tomono, Takao
• Application Number:
  US12/453,783
• Publication Number:
  US 20090234301A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 604/272
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2037/0046 Solid microneedles
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2037/0053 Methods for producing microneedles
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 37/0015 by using microneedles
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 2043/023 having a plurality of grooves
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 2043/025 forming a microstructure, i.e. fine patterning
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 2043/3416 conveyor belts
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 2043/3628 moving inside a barrel or container like sleeve
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 2043/464 having projections or knives, e.g. for cutting-out or for forming local depressions
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 2043/561 under vacuum conditions
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 2059/023 Microembossing
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 43/021 characterised by the shape of the surface
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 43/06 continuously movable in one direction, e.g. mounted on chains, belts
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 43/18 incorporating preformed parts or layers, e.g. compression moulding around inserts or for coating articles B29C43/206 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 43/222 characterised by the shape of the surface
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 43/36 Moulds for making articles of definite length, i.e. discrete articles
• CPC Class Codes: B29L 2031/7544 Injection needles, syringes
• CPC Class Codes: B29L 2031/756 Microarticles, nanoarticles

Abstract

A method for producing a microneedle includes feeding a resin fluid to a forming mold having a needle-forming portion with an opening diameter of 50 to 200 μm and a depth of 100 to 500 μm, charging the fed resin fluid into the needle-forming portion, and cooling and solidifying the charged resin fluid. The feeding, the charging, and the cooling and solidification are performed under reduced pressure or vacuum.

Claims

1. A method for producing a microneedle, comprising:

feeding a resin fluid to a forming mold having a needle-forming portion with an opening diameter of 50 to 200 μ

m and a depth of 100 to 500 μ

m,

charging the fed resin fluid into the needle-forming portion, and

cooling and solidifying the charged resin fluid,

the feeding, the charging, and the cooling and solidification being performed under reduced pressure or vacuum.

3. The method for producing a microneedle according to claim 1, wherein the forming mold has two or more needle-forming portions.

4. The method for producing a microneedle according to claim 1, wherein the forming mold has a protruding portion in an area other than the needle-forming portion.

5. The method for producing a microneedle according to claim 1, wherein the forming mold has a protruding portion in the needle-forming portion.

6. The method for producing a microneedle according to claim 1, wherein when the resin fluid is charged, the resin fluid is pressed.

7. The method for producing a microneedle according to claim 1, wherein when the resin fluid is charged, the resin fluid is placed also in an area on the forming mold other than the needle-forming portion.

8. The method for producing a microneedle according to claim 1, wherein the resin contains a biocompatible material.

9. The method for producing a microneedle according to claim 8, wherein the biocompatible material is a material containing polylactic acid, glycol lactic acid, chitin, chitosan, hyaluronic acid, collagen, glucose/cellulose, or magnesium alloy.

10. A microneedle produced by the method according to claim 1.

11. The microneedle according to claim 10, wherein the microneedle does not undergo plastic deformation under a load of 5 kgf/cm² or less.

12. A method for producing a microneedle array, comprising:

placing, after forming a microneedle by the method according to claim 1, a substrate to face the needle-forming portion of the forming mold via the microneedle, and

integrating the microneedle and the substrate.

13. The method for producing a microneedle array according to claim 12, wherein the microneedle and the substrate are made of different materials.

14. A microneedle array produced by the method according to claim 12.

2. A method for producing a microneedle, comprising:

feeding resin to a forming mold having a needle-forming portion with an opening diameter of 50 to 200 μ

m and a depth of 100 to 500 μ

m,

fluidizing the fed resin to give a resin fluid,

charging the resin fluid into the needle-forming portion, and

cooling and solidifying the charged resin fluid,

the feeding, the heating and melting, the charging, and the cooling and solidification being performed under reduced pressure or vacuum.