Microneedle apparatus used for marking skin and for dispensing semi-permanent subcutaneous makeup
First Claim
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1. A microneedle array structure, comprising:
- a plurality of microneedle elements having a first end and a second end, said microneedle elements extending from a base element at said first end of the microneedle elements; and
at least one reservoir containing a fluid, said at least one fluid-containing reservoir having a flexible membrane at a first surface and being in communication with at least one of said plurality of microneedle elements at a second surface;
wherein said first surface of the flexible membrane, upon actuation, forces the fluid from said at least one fluid-containing reservoir in a direction toward said at least one of said plurality of microneedle elements, wherein said microneedle elements and said base element are of unitary construction, formed from the same homogeneous material.
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Abstract
An array of microneedles is provided to apply semi-permanent or permanent markings to skin, or to apply semi-permanent subcutaneous makeup or other cosmetic compounds to skin. The microneedles can apply identifications or other tattoo-like graphics, and will not enter into the dermal layer of the skin so that the application procedure is painless. The microneedle array is also useful for delivering specific compounds or actives into the skin, such as cosmetic compounds or nutrients, or various skin structure modifiers that can be delivered subcutaneously without having to visit a cosmetic surgery clinic.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A microneedle array structure, comprising:
- a plurality of microneedle elements having a first end and a second end, said microneedle elements extending from a base element at said first end of the microneedle elements; and
at least one reservoir containing a fluid, said at least one fluid-containing reservoir having a flexible membrane at a first surface and being in communication with at least one of said plurality of microneedle elements at a second surface;wherein said first surface of the flexible membrane, upon actuation, forces the fluid from said at least one fluid-containing reservoir in a direction toward said at least one of said plurality of microneedle elements, wherein said microneedle elements and said base element are of unitary construction, formed from the same homogeneous material. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
- a plurality of microneedle elements having a first end and a second end, said microneedle elements extending from a base element at said first end of the microneedle elements; and
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8. A microneedle array structure, comprising:
- a plurality of microneedle elements having a first end and a second end, said microneedle elements extending from a base element at said first end of the microneedle elements; and
at least one reservoir containing a fluid, said at least one fluid-containing reservoir having a flexible membrane at a first surface and being in communication with at least one of said plurality of microneedle elements at a second surface;wherein said first surface of the flexible membrane, upon actuation, forces the fluid from said at least one fluid-containing reservoir in a direction toward said at least one of said plurality of microneedle elements, wherein said microneedle array structure further comprises a plurality of fluid-containing reservoirs each having a flexible membrane at a first surface and which are in communication with a different one of said at least one of said plurality of microneedle elements at a second surface. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12)
wherein each of said plurality of individual reservoirs remain sealed until actuation of said first surface of the flexible membrane, at which time said second end of the microneedle elements is placed into contact with skin, and said first end of the microneedle elements pierces said second surface of the reservoirs, thereby providing a pathway for said fluid to flow from said reservoirs into said skin.
- a plurality of microneedle elements having a first end and a second end, said microneedle elements extending from a base element at said first end of the microneedle elements; and
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12. The microneedle array structure as recited in claim 10, wherein said microneedle array structure is manufactured in two major sub-assemblies, comprising:
- (a) said base element that holds said plurality of microneedle elements in position; and
(b) a substrate that holds said plurality of individual reservoirs in position;wherein base element and said substrate are aligned and permanently affixed to one another, such that said plurality of microneedle elements are in alignment with said plurality of individual reservoirs.
- (a) said base element that holds said plurality of microneedle elements in position; and
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13. A method of dispensing a fluid into skin, comprising:
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providing a microneedle array structure that includes a plurality of microneedle elements that extend from a base element; and
at least one reservoir containing a fluid, said at least one fluid-containing reservoir having a flexible membrane at a first surface and being in communication with at least one of said plurality of microneedle elements at a second surface;
positioning said microneedle array structure on the surface of skin, and pressing said microneedle array structure into said skin; and
actuating said first surface of the flexible membrane to thereby force the fluid from said at least one fluid-containing reservoir in a direction toward said at least one of said plurality of microneedle elements and into said skin. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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20. A method of dispensing a fluid into skin, comprising:
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providing a microneedle array structure that includes a plurality of microneedle elements that extend from a base element; and
at least one reservoir containing a fluid, said at least one fluid-containing reservoir having a flexible membrane at a first surface and being in communication with at least one of said plurality of microneedle elements at a second surface;
positioning said microneedle array structure on the surface of skin, and pressing said microneedle array structure into said skin; and
actuating said first surface of the flexible membrane to thereby force the fluid from said at least one fluid-containing reservoir in a direction toward said at least one of said plurality of microneedle elements and into said skin, wherein said at least one reservoir comprises a plurality of individual reservoirs that each provide fluid to a single one of a predetermined set of said plurality of microneedle elements, and thereby dispenses at least one fluid of more than a single color from said plurality of microneedle elements into skin.
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Specification