Device for transdermal sampling

• US 20070004989A1
• Filed: 06/29/2005
• Published: 01/04/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 06/29/2005
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Parvinder Dhillon
• Original Assignee: Parvinder Dhillon
• Inventors: Dhillon, Parvinder
• Application Number:
  US11/171,581
• Publication Number:
  US 20070004989A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 600/583
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/14514 using means for aiding extraction of interstitial fluid, e.g. microneedles or suction
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/150022 for capillary blood or interstitial fluid
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/150358 Strips for collecting blood, e.g. absorbent optical reagent test strips G01N21/8483; chemical reagent test strips G01N33/4875, G01N33/52
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/150969 Low-profile devices which resemble patches or plasters, e.g. also allowing collection of blood samples for testing
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/150984 Microneedles or microblades
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2037/0023 Drug applicators using microneedles
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2037/0046 Solid microneedles
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 37/0015 by using microneedles

Abstract

Transdermal agent sampling devices are described which combine arrays of puncturing elements, do not require the use of pumps, and in which the sensing means for detecting the agent is directly proximal to, or comprised within, the array of puncturing elements. An array design that improves the flow of fluid from the skin to the sensor, allowing efficient utilization of the extracted fluid is also described. Devices that are suitable for use in a patch for agent monitoring, in that they are smaller and cheaper to manufacture, as well as being lighter, less obtrusive, and less irritating to the user are also described.

Claims

1. A device for transdermal agent sampling comprising:

(a) a base having a lower side and an upper side;

(b) a plurality of puncturing elements extending from the lower side of the base;

(c) a plurality of holes extending from the lower side of the base to the upper side of the base; and

(d) one or more protrusions extending from the lower side of the base, the protrusions of sufficient height to allow fluid to flow under the base while still permitting the puncturing members to penetrate through the stratum comeum of a subject.

2. The device of claim 1 further comprising a network of channels configured in the lower side of the base to interconnect the holes.

3. The device of claim 1 further comprising an agent sensing element contiguous with the upper side of the base.

4. The device of claim 2 wherein the agent sensing element is a glucose detector.

5. The device of claim 2 further comprising a collector.

9. The device of claim 5 wherein the device further comprises a plurality of holes extending from the lower side of the base to the upper side of the base, a network of channels configured in the lower side of the base to interconnect the holes and one or more protrusions extending from the lower side of the base, the protrusions of sufficient height to allow fluid to flow under the base while still permitting the puncturing members to penetrate through the stratum corneum of a subject.

10. The device of claim 5 wherein the puncturing elements have textured outer walls.

11. The device of claim 5 wherein the lower side of the base and the outer walls of the puncturing elements have applied surface texture.

12. A method of transdermal monitoring of a selected analyte in a body comprising:

(a) Providing a device of claim 1;

and

(b) contacting said device with the skin such that said plurality of puncturing elements puncture the skin to a depth sufficient to reduce the barrier properties thereof, resulting in a seepage of interstitial fluid from the skin through the holes in the base.

13. The method of claim 12 wherein the device further comprises an agent sensing element.

14. The method of claim 13 wherein the agent sensing element is a glucose detector.

15. The method of claim 12 further comprising treating the skin of a subject with one or more permeation enhancers prior to application of the device.

16. The method of claim 12 further comprising applying suction to enhance the rate of interstitial fluid flow.

17. The method of claim 12 wherein the device further comprises a collector.

18. The method of claim 17 wherein the collector comprises an absorbent membrane contiguous with the upper side of the base and means for increasing interstitial fluid evaporation.

6. A device for transdermal agent sampling comprising:

(a) a base having an upper side and a lower side, with a plurality of puncturing elements extending from the lower side of the base;

(b) an absorbent membrane contiguous with the upper side of the base; and

(c) means for increasing interstitial fluid evaporation.

7. The device of claim 6 wherein the means for increasing interstitial fluid evaporation is slits within a casing that houses said absorbent membrane.

8. The device of claim 6 wherein the means for increasing interstitial fluid evaporation is a heating element housed within said casing.