Microneedle devices and methods of manufacture and use thereof
First Claim
1. A method for delivering of active agent across a biological barrier, the method comprising the steps of:
- puncturing the biological barrier with a plurality of microneedles, the microneedles attached to or integrally formed with a substrate, wherein each of the microneedles is formed of a biodegradable polymer and an active agent dispersed in the biodegradable polymer of the microneedles;
delivering the active agent solely through biodegradation of the biodegradable polymer of the microneedles in the biological barrier.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Microneedle devices are provided for transport of molecules across tissue barriers and for use as microflameholders. In a preferred embodiment for transport across tissue, the microneedles are formed of a biodegradable polymer. Methods of making these devices, which can include hollow and/or porous microneedles, are also provided. A preferred method for making a microneedle includes forming a micromold having sidewalls which define the outer surface of the microneedle, electroplating the sidewalls to form the hollow microneedle, and then removing the micromold from the microneedle. In a preferred method of use, the microneedle device is used to deliver material into or across a biological barrier from chambers in connection with at least one of the microneedles. The device preferably further includes a means for controlling the flow of material through the microneedles. Representative examples of these means include the use of permeable membranes, fracturable impermeable membranes, valves, and pumps.
-
Citations
20 Claims
-
1. A method for delivering of active agent across a biological barrier, the method comprising the steps of:
-
puncturing the biological barrier with a plurality of microneedles, the microneedles attached to or integrally formed with a substrate, wherein each of the microneedles is formed of a biodegradable polymer and an active agent dispersed in the biodegradable polymer of the microneedles; delivering the active agent solely through biodegradation of the biodegradable polymer of the microneedles in the biological barrier. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
-
Specification