Devices and methods for enhanced microneedle penetration of biological barriers
US6743211B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 23, 1999 |
| Grant date | Jun 1, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 23, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB33Y80/00
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Microneedle devices and methods of use thereof are provided for the enhanced transport of molecules, including drugs and biological molecules, across tissue by improving the interaction of microneedles and a deformable, elastic biological barrier, such as human skin. The devices and methods act to (1) limit the elasticity, (2) adapt to the elasticity, (3) utilize alternate ways of creating the holes for the microneedles to penetrate the biological barrier, other than the simply direct pressure of the microneedle substrate to the barrier surface, or (4) any combination of these methods. In preferred embodiments for limiting the elasticity of skin, the microneedle device includes features suitable for stretching, pulling, or pinching the skin to present a more rigid, less deformable, surface in the area to which the microneedles are applied (i.e. penetrate). In a preferred embodiments for adapting the device to the elasticity of skin, the device comprising one or more extensions interposed between the substrate and the base end of at least a portion of the microneedles.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.