초록 ▼

A microneedle array, constructed of silicon and silicon dioxide compounds or of a molded plastic material, is provided to penetrate the stratum corneum and epidermis layers of skin, but not into the dermis. The microneedles can be used to either dispense a liquid drug, or to sample a body fluid. The

A microneedle array, constructed of silicon and silicon dioxide compounds or of a molded plastic material, is provided to penetrate the stratum corneum and epidermis layers of skin, but not into the dermis. The microneedles can be used to either dispense a liquid drug, or to sample a body fluid. The delivery of drugs and sampling of fluids can be performed by way of passive diffusion (time release), instantaneous injection, or iontophoresis. A complete closed-loop system can be manufactured including active elements, such as micro-machined pumps, as well as passive elements such as sensors. A "smart patch" can thereby be fabricated that samples body fluids, performs chemistry to decide on the appropriate drug dosage, and then administers the corresponding amount of drug. An electric field may be used to increase transdermal flow rate. Such a system can be made disposable, and can be used with medical devices to dispense drugs by iontophoretic/microneedle enhancement, to sample body fluids (while providing an iontophoretically/microneedle-enhanced body-fluid sensor), and as a closed-loop drug delivery system with fluid sampling feedback using a combination of the other two devices. As a drug dispensing system, the microneedle array includes electrodes that apply an electric potential to the skin between the electrode locations. One of the electrode assemblies is filled with an ionized drug, and the charged drug molecules move into the body due to the applied electric potential. As a body-fluid sampling system, the microneedle array also includes electrodes to assist in moving fluid from the body into a receiving chamber, and which further includes a bioelectrochemical sensor to measure the concentration of a particular substance.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A first structure comprising: a first base element and first plurality of microneedles formed thereon, wherein said first base element has a first side and a second side; wherein said first plurality of microneedles comprises a plurality of hollow elements which project

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A first structure comprising: a first base element and first plurality of microneedles formed thereon, wherein said first base element has a first side and a second side; wherein said first plurality of microneedles comprises a plurality of hollow elements which project from the second side of said first base element along longitudinal axes that are at an angle with respect to said first base element; wherein at least one of said longitudinal axes of said first plurality of microneedles is in alignment with one of a plurality of first openings in the second side of said first base element; wherein said hollow elements of said first plurality of microneedles allow liquid to flow therethrough between a plurality of second openings at a distal end of said hollow elements and said first openings at the second side of said first base element; and a first container structure comprising:(a) a first reservoir capable of holding a liquid, (b) a first electrode proximal to said first reservoir;a second structure comprising: a second base element and second plurality of microneedles formed thereon, wherein said second base element has a third side and a fourth side; wherein said second plurality of microneedles comprises a plurality of hollow elements which project from the fourth side of said second base element along a longitudinal axis that is at an angle with respect to said second base element; wherein at least one of said longitudinal axes of said second plurality of microneedles is in alignment with one of a plurality of third openings in the fourth side of said second base element; wherein said hollow elements of said second plurality of microneedles allow liquid to flow therethrough between a plurality of fourth openings at a distal end of said hollow elements and said third openings at the fourth side of said second base element; and a second container structure comprising:(a) a second reservoir capable of holding a liquid,(b) a second electrode proximal to said second reservoir; andan electrical power source that is in communication with said first and second electrodes.