Microneedle electrode
First Claim
1. A method of enhancing conductivity of an electrical signal through a subject'"'"'s skin using a microneedle electrode comprising:
- applying a microneedle electrode to the subject'"'"'s skin by placing microneedles of the microneedle electrode in direct contact with the subject'"'"'s skin;
inserting the microneedles of the microneedle electrode into the skin such that the microneedles pierce stratum corneum of the skin up to dermis of the skin; and
allowing an electrical signal to pass through the microneedle electrode where impedance of the microneedle electrode is less than 10 ohms, wherein the microneedle electrode comprises a conductive metal substrate having microneedles extending therefrom which is formed by etching or cutting a microneedle pattern into a sheet of conductive metal and bending the microneedles to a desired angle.
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Accused Products
Abstract
In certain variations, methods, systems and/or devices for enhancing conductivity of an electrical signal through a subject'"'"'s skin using one or more microneedle electrodes are provided. A microneedle electrode may be applied to the subject'"'"'s skin by placing the microneedle electrode in direct contact with the subject'"'"'s skin. The microneedles of the microneedle electrode may be inserted into the skin such that the microneedles pierce stratum corneum of the skin up to or through dermis of the skin. An electrical signal passes or is conducted through or across the microneedle electrode and the subject'"'"'s skin, where impedance of the microneedle electrode is minimal and greatly reduced compared to existing technologies.
318 Citations
25 Claims
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1. A method of enhancing conductivity of an electrical signal through a subject'"'"'s skin using a microneedle electrode comprising:
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applying a microneedle electrode to the subject'"'"'s skin by placing microneedles of the microneedle electrode in direct contact with the subject'"'"'s skin; inserting the microneedles of the microneedle electrode into the skin such that the microneedles pierce stratum corneum of the skin up to dermis of the skin; and allowing an electrical signal to pass through the microneedle electrode where impedance of the microneedle electrode is less than 10 ohms, wherein the microneedle electrode comprises a conductive metal substrate having microneedles extending therefrom which is formed by etching or cutting a microneedle pattern into a sheet of conductive metal and bending the microneedles to a desired angle. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A microneedle electrode for providing enhanced conductivity of an electrical signal through a subject'"'"'s skin comprising:
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a conductive metal substrate having a top surface, a bottom surface and an array of microneedles extending from the top surface which is formed by etching or cutting a microneedle pattern into a sheet of conductive metal and bending the microneedles to a desired angle, wherein the microneedle electrode is adapted for direct contact between the microneedles and a subject'"'"'s skin and configured to pierce stratum corneum of the skin up to dermis of the skin; and a stud connected to the bottom surface of the substrate by a direct electrical connection allowing for conductivity throughout the electrode, wherein the microneedle electrode is configured to allow an electrical signal to pass through the microneedle electrode and impedance of the microneedle electrode is less than 10 ohms. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24)
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25. A method of enhancing physiological signal detection through a subject'"'"'s skin using a microneedle electrode comprising:
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applying a microneedle electrode to the subject'"'"'s skin by placing microneedles of the microneedle electrode in direct contact with the subject'"'"'s skin; inserting the microneedles of the microneedle electrode into the skin such that the microneedles pierce stratum corneum of the skin up to dermis of the skin; and detecting a physiological signal through the microneedle electrode where impedance of the microneedle electrode is less than 10 ohms, wherein the microneedle electrode comprises a conductive metal substrate having microneedles extending therefrom which is formed by etching or cutting a microneedle pattern into a sheet of conductive metal and bending the microneedles to a desired angle.
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Specification