Light alignment of microneedles

Abstract

An apparatus comprising: a chip comprising a plurality of microneedles on a first surface; an oscillator connected to the chip, where the oscillator oscillates the chip in cycles, each cycle including a period in which the microneedles contact the skin and a period in which the microneedles do not contact the skin; and a light source triggered to be pulsed on and pulsed off wherein light is directed through the chip or microneedle.

Description

Summary of the Invention

[0001] An apparatus includes: a chip having a plurality of microneedles on a first surface; an oscillator connected to the chip, wherein the oscillator oscillates the chip periodically, each period including a microneedle skin contact period and a microneedle skin non-contact period; and a light source triggered to pulse on and pulse off, wherein light is directed through the chip or the microneedles.

[0002] The device also includes optical elements that span the chip, through which light is guided.

[0003] Optical elements include lenses, filters, or diffusers.

[0004] The chip has a surface area that defines the disk, and the optical element is located at the center of the disk.

[0005] The device also includes a waveguide that connects the light source to the optical elements.

[0006] The microneedles are made of translucent, transparent, or light-transmitting materials, through which light is guided.

[0007] The light source is triggered to turn on at any time after the start of the microneedle skin non-contact period, or triggered to turn off before the end of the microneedle skin non-contact period.

[0008] The light source is triggered to turn on, thus coinciding with the start or end of the microneedle skin-non-contact period.

[0009] The duration of the light pulse is the same as or shorter than the duration of the non-contact period of the microneedles on the skin.

[0010] The light source is triggered to turn on at any time after the start of the microneedle skin non-contact period and is triggered to turn off before the end of the microneedle skin non-contact period.

[0011] The light source is triggered to turn on, thus coinciding with the start and end of the microneedle skin-non-contact period.

[0012] The light source is turned on and off multiple times during the non-contact period of the microneedles on the skin.

[0013] The light source is triggered to turn on at any time after the start of the microneedle skin contact period, or triggered to turn off before the end of the microneedle skin contact period.

[0014] The light source is triggered to turn on, thus coinciding with the start or end of the microneedle skin contact period.

[0015] The duration of the light pulse is the same as or shorter than the duration of the microneedle skin contact period.

[0016] The light source is triggered to turn on at any time after the start of the microneedle skin contact period and is triggered to turn off before the end of the microneedle skin contact period.

[0017] The device also includes a cover surrounding the chip, within which the microneedle-like chip oscillates.

[0018] The light source is a coherent light source.

[0019] The light source is an incoherent light source.

[0020] The device also includes a proximity sensor, and the intensity of the light source is modulated as a function of the distance between the device and the skin.

[0021] A microneedle-like chip includes: a shape having a back surface and a front surface; a plurality of microneedles on the front surface of the chip; and an optical element that traverses the chip from the back surface to the front surface, wherein the optical element is light-transmitting.

[0022] This overview is intended to introduce a series of concepts in a simplified form, which will be further described in the following detailed description. This overview is not intended to identify key features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to serve as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. Attached Figure Description

[0023] The above aspects and many incidental advantages of the present invention will be more readily understood by referring to the following detailed embodiments and the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a microneedle phototherapy device; Figure 2 This is a graph showing the correlation between microneedle skin contact and phototriggers; Figure 3 This is a graph showing the correlation between microneedle skin contact and phototriggers; Figure 4 This is a graph showing the correlation between microneedle skin contact and phototriggers; Figure 5 This is a graph showing the correlation between microneedle skin contact and phototriggers; Figure 6 This is a graph showing the correlation between microneedle skin contact and phototriggers; and Figure 7 This is a graph showing the correlation between microneedle skin contact and phototriggers. Detailed Implementation

[0024] Microneedling therapy refers to the process of creating tiny punctures in the skin using tiny needles. It can be used to treat a variety of skin problems, such as acne, scars, and wrinkles. Microneedling therapy can also be combined with the application of topical preparations and cosmetics to enhance the effectiveness of the preparations or provide longer-lasting cosmetic results by delivering them deeper into the skin.

[0025] refer to Figure 1A and Figure 1B This disclosure relates to an oscillating microneedle device 100, comprising a chip 102 having a plurality of microneedles 112. The chip 102 also has holes at arbitrary locations on the chip. The holes traverse the chip 102, allowing light to be guided through the chip 102 and / or the microneedles 112 to reach the area to be treated by microneedle therapy. The holes in the chip can support optical elements 108, such as lenses, filters, diffusers, etc. A light source 106 guides light directly or via a waveguide 110 to the optical elements 108, and then guides the light onto the skin. The phototherapy device 100 may include a laser or light-emitting diode (LED) of a specific wavelength or combination of wavelengths as the light source 106.

[0026] The microneedle device 100 includes a proximity sensor 122 on the device 100. The proximity sensor 122 senses the distance between the device 100 and the keratin surface. The light source 106 modulates the light intensity as a function of the distance between the device 100 and the skin. The goal is to ensure that the skin is exposed to the correct cumulative energy.

[0027] The proximity sensor 122 emits a proximity signal (e.g., ultrasound signal, light signal, etc.) toward a keratin surface (e.g., skin) to estimate the distance between the device and the skin. The proximity sensor 122 sends signals processed by the control circuit 120.

[0028] The size and weight of the microneedle device 100 are suitable for manual use at home or while traveling. The device is battery powered or can operate on standard household current.

[0029] The microneedle device 100 uses one of a variety of oscillation techniques (oscillator 104) to oscillate the microneedle chip 102 at a certain frequency. Due to the oscillation, the microneedle 112 experiences a microneedle-skin contact period and a microneedle-skin non-contact period. During the oscillation of the microneedle 112, the light source 106 controls the switching on and off of light according to arbitrary pulse coding.

[0030] The electrical control circuit 120 within the device 100 controls the light pulses. The electrical control circuit 120 is configured as part of the oscillator 104 or the light source 106, or as a separate module communicating with the oscillator 104, the light source 106, or both.

[0031] Combining microneedle therapy with phototherapy can enhance the effects of phototherapy. The microneedle chip 102 can penetrate the skin when the light source is off, and is triggered when the microneedle chip 102 is ejected from the skin to enhance light penetration and efficacy. When light can penetrate below the skin surface, the combination of microneedles and light can provide greater skin regeneration.

[0032] Figure 1A This is a schematic diagram of device 100, showing the microneedle-like chip 102 retracted within a cover 118 located at the distal end of device 100. The cover 118 surrounds the chip 102 from all sides, and the end of the cover 118 extends beyond the distal end of the microneedle-like chip 102. Therefore, the microneedles prevent skin contact.

[0033] Figure 1B This is a schematic diagram of device 100, showing the microneedle-like chip 102 extending outside the cover 118. Figure 1B If the end of the cover 118 touches the skin, the microneedle chip 102 will come into contact with the skin.

[0034] According to this disclosure, the microneedle chip 102 is applied against a keratin surface (such as skin and lips), allowing the microneedles 112 to penetrate the keratin surface. The microneedles 112 are able to penetrate the keratin surface while oscillating back and forth.

[0035] like Figure 1A and Figure 1B As shown, the microneedle-like chip 102 is connected to the oscillator 104 via the drive arm 114. The oscillator 104 causes the microneedle-like chip 102 to oscillate, thereby repeatedly contacting the surface of the keratin material. The type of oscillator 104 is not limited, as long as it can generate back-and-forth oscillations.

[0036] The oscillation of the microneedle chip 102 can be achieved using a variety of different oscillators. Oscillation can be achieved using a mechanical motor and a rotary-to-linear converter. Oscillation can be achieved using an electromagnetic device. Oscillation can be achieved using a piezoelectric ceramic crystal.

[0037] The microneedle chip 102 has an oscillation frequency in the range of 100 Hz to 10 kHz. The oscillation frequency can range from 1 kHz to 8 kHz. The oscillation frequency can range from 3 kHz to 6 kHz.

[0038] Microneedles 112 are located on one side of the surface of chip 102, i.e., the distal or front side. The proximal or rear side of chip 102 is attached to oscillator 104. Depending on the type of oscillator 104, drive arm 114 is optional.

[0039] Chip 102 includes a hole running through chip 102 from the back side to the front side. The hole may be filled with an optical element 108, such as a lens, diffuser, filter, or combination of optical elements.

[0040] Optical element 108 is made of a material that is transparent, translucent, or light-transmitting to the light produced by light source 106. Lens 108 focuses, diffuses, or broadens the exposure of a specific area. Lens 108 has positive or negative focal length characteristics to achieve the desired light emission and can be made of any number of materials, such as, but not limited to, glass, plastic, or resin.

[0041] The microneedles 112 are materials that are transparent, translucent, or light-transmitting to the light produced by the light source 106, and can be made of any number of materials, such as, but not limited to, glass, plastic, or resin.

[0042] Other non-limiting examples of optically transparent, translucent, or light-transmitting materials for lens 108, chip 102, and microneedle 112 include one or more of the following: acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene polymers, cellulose, epoxy resins, ethylene-butyl acrylate, ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene, ethylene-vinyl alcohol, fluorinated ethylene-propylene, furan, nylon, phenolic resins, poly[2,2,4-trifluoro-5-trifluoromethoxy-1,3-dione-co-tetrafluoroethylene-e], poly[2,2-bis(trifluoromethyl-) [4,5-Difluoro-1,3-dioxo-co-tetrafluoroacetylene], poly[2,3-(perfluoroalkenyl)perfluorotetrahydrofuran], polyacrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene, polybenzimidazole, polycarbonate, polyester, polyetheretherketone, polyetherimide, polyethersulfone, polyethylene, polyimide, polymethyl methacrylate, polynorbornene, perfluoroalkoxyethylene, polystyrene, polysulfone, polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene fluoride, diallyl phthalate, thermoplastic elastomers, transparent polymers, vinyl esters, etc.

[0043] Microneedles 112 are not disposed on lens 108. The surface area of ​​lens 108 is 10% to 90% of the total surface area of ​​the front (far) side of chip 102. In one embodiment, the surface area of ​​lens 108 is 30% to 70% of the total surface area of ​​the front (far) side of chip 102. In another embodiment, the surface area of ​​lens 108 is 40% to 60% of the total surface area of ​​the front (far) side of chip 102. In one embodiment, microneedles 112 may be disposed on 50% to 90% of the surface area not occupied by lens 108.

[0044] In one embodiment, the microneedles 112 can be of any suitable size and shape to at least pierce the stratum corneum of the skin surface. Preferably, the microneedles are designed to pierce and penetrate the stratum corneum. The microneedles may be able to create openings or channels in the stratum corneum.

[0045] If necessary, the height of the microneedles 112 can be adjusted to allow them to penetrate into the epidermis and / or dermis of the skin, preferably into the epidermis, and more preferably into any layer of the epidermis.

[0046] The shape of the microneedle 112 is not limited. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the microneedle 112 can take any reasonable shape, including but not limited to pyramidal, conical, rod-shaped, and / or columnar shapes. Therefore, the diameter of the microneedle 112 at its tip can be the same as the diameter of its base, or the diameter can gradually taper from the base to the tip.

[0047] For example, the microneedle 112 can be in the shape of a triangular pyramid, square pyramid, or pentagonal pyramid. Alternatively, the microneedle 112 can be in the shape of a column, preferably having a pointed tip, which can be formed by diagonally cutting the column. The cross-section of the microneedle 112 can take any geometric shape, including circular, triangular, square, rectangular, polyhedral, regular or irregular shapes, etc. In one embodiment, the microneedle assembly can take the form of a hollow microcapillary. However, for the purposes of this disclosure, solid (non-hollow) microneedles 112 may be preferred.

[0048] The height or length of the microneedles 112 is 10 to 500 micrometers, preferably 30 to 300 micrometers, and more preferably 50 to 150 micrometers.

[0049] The microneedle 112 is in the form of a cone. The height or length of the cone of the microneedle 112 can be 10 to 500 micrometers, preferably 30 to 300 micrometers, and more preferably 50 to 150 micrometers.

[0050] The base diameter or width of the cone of the microneedle 112 is 10 to 500 micrometers, preferably 10 to 300 micrometers, and more preferably 10 to 100 micrometers. If the base of the cone of the microneedle 112 is elliptical or elliptical arc-shaped, the length or width of the major axis of the ellipse can be 10 to 500 micrometers, preferably 10 to 300 micrometers, and more preferably 10 to 100 micrometers.

[0051] The microneedles 112 may have an aspect ratio (length / width of the base) of at least about 3:1, at least about 2:1, or at least about 1:1. The ratio of the height of the cone to the diameter of the base of the cone may be 1 or greater, preferably 1.5 or greater, more preferably 2.0 or greater.

[0052] The microneedles 112 are capable of penetrating keratinous materials, such as skin and lips, to a depth of 200 micrometers or less, preferably 180 micrometers or less, and more preferably 160 micrometers or less.

[0053] A narrow spacing (the distance between any two adjacent microneedles) of the microneedles 112 may not provide sufficient surface area for the microneedles, preventing them from penetrating the skin. On the other hand, an excessively wide spacing may result in a single microneedle not having enough pressure to penetrate. Therefore, in one embodiment, the spacing of the microneedles 112 is 400 to 700 micrometers, more preferably 400 to 500 micrometers.

[0054] The microneedle chip 102 and the microneedle 112 can be made of separate materials or separate and different materials. In one embodiment, the microneedle chip 102 and the microneedle 112 are made of the same monolithic material.

[0055] The outer contours of the front and back surfaces of chip 102 are square, disc-shaped, rectangular, polygonal, etc. In one embodiment, the shape of the microneedle chip 102 is suitable for application below the eyes or around the lips, depending on the application target of the microneedle chip. For example, it can be crescent-shaped. Chip 102 is a disc, and optical element 108 is placed at the center of the disc. Chip 102 can be any shape other than a disc, and if the center of mass is located inside the shape, the optical element is placed at the center of mass of chip 102, or the optical element is placed in the middle of the longest dimension of the shape.

[0056] There are no restrictions on how the microneedle-like chip 102 to be used is fabricated. The microneedle-like chip 102 can be made using conventional techniques such as molding, 3D printing, metal processing, etc. The entire contents of U.S. Patent Publication No. 2023 / 0051189 are hereby expressly referenced.

[0057] Referring to Figure 1, the device 100 includes a light source 106 with power and wavelength suitable for treatment. The light source 106 is also configured to be pulsed on and off at a certain frequency so that light reaches the skin during the oscillation of the microneedles 112.

[0058] If necessary, the device 100 includes one or more optical elements 108 operatively coupled to a waveguide 110, which may be made of a transparent, translucent, or light-transmitting material similar to the optical elements 108.

[0059] The light source 106, together with the waveguide 110 and the optical element 108, transmits the electromagnetic energy stimulation of the feature for a duration sufficient to penetrate one or more dermal layers in the keratin surface area, which is also affected by the microneedles.

[0060] The triggering frequency of the light is 100 Hz to 10 kHz. The triggering frequency of the light is 1 kHz to 8 kHz. The triggering frequency of the light is 3 kHz to 6 kHz.

[0061] The device 100 includes one or more light sources to generate a single main emission wavelength (i.e., narrowband multicolor radiation) or multiple wavelengths (monochrome, narrowband multicolor, broadband multicolor, or combinations thereof). The single or multiple combinations can be applied simultaneously or sequentially.

[0062] For the light source, the device employs an LED, ultrasound, or laser. Other energy sources may also be used, including (but not limited to) microwave and radio frequency energy. Those skilled in the art will recognize that any light source capable of emitting electromagnetic radiation, directly or through optical filtering, at the therapeutically useful wavelengths described herein falls within the suitable light range. For the purposes of light modulation and photothermal therapy, light with wavelengths of red (approximately 665 nm) or blue (approximately 470 nm) is used. Light wavelengths from approximately 100 nm to approximately 1400 nm, including visible, ultraviolet, and infrared light, are also used.

[0063] Light source 106 generates coherent light of different wavelengths to obtain different skin benefits.

[0064] Light source 106 generates incoherent light of different wavelengths to obtain different skin benefits.

[0065] The light source 106 can employ multiple narrowband emitters. The laser diodes can be multicolor and have a narrow band around the dominant wavelength; that is, they are narrowband multicolor devices (emitting electromagnetic waves symmetrically or asymmetrically in narrowband radiation around the dominant wavelength).

[0066] Although LEDs are not monochromatic, they emit within such a narrow frequency band that they are considered narrowband multicolor emitters. The narrow band allows for the emission of photons with slightly different wavelengths. This can be advantageous for generating certain desired multiphoton interactions. In contrast, most commercial lasers emit light of a single wavelength and are considered monochromatic.

[0067] Lasers use coherent light, that is, monochromatic light.

[0068] The light source 106 can be a combination of LED and laser.

[0069] Wavelength can also determine the depth of tissue penetration. The depth of tissue penetration in intact skin may differ from that in ulcerated or burned skin, or from skin that has been abraded, enzymatically exfoliated, or had at least part of its stratum corneum removed by any method. Penetration may also occur by any interfering chromophores that absorb at the same wavelength.

[0070] As illustrated, an LED array can be used to emit light of one or more wavelengths to deliver energy flux to affected cells. Providing cells with clinically effective energy flux can initiate photomodulation and / or photoregeneration, but is insufficient to cause cell damage due to potential overexposure from high-energy light sources such as lasers. Photorejuvenation can "activate" cells. Photomodulation controls or signals cells. Photorevitalization can be used to slow, stop, or reverse programmed cell death, or in some cases, revive necrotic cells. Photoregeneration can be used to differentiate cells. Photomodulation can be used to repair faulty or damaged cells.

[0071] An LED array may include LED emitters that emit multiple wavelengths, a single wavelength, or, if more than one wavelength is used for treatment, may include various types of emitters. Each LED typically emits at a main emission wavelength between approximately 300 nm and 1600 nm.

[0072] The array may include a combination of LEDs that emit in the visible and / or infrared portions of the spectrum. The emitters may be configured to pulse, emitting continuous light waves over an extended time period, and to emit simultaneously or sequentially.

[0073] The total energy flux transferred depends on the specific condition being treated, but is typically less than about 10 J / cm². 2 This is to avoid potential negative effects due to excessive exposure of retinal cells. When light indirectly illuminates the target, the flux at the light source can be much higher than 10 J / cm². 2 However, the flux perceived by the light source may be very low due to absorption and scattering by tissues, bones, or other structures between the light source and the target cells. In some cases, the flux perceived by the target cells may be as small as a few nanojoules, and the treatment may still be effective.

[0074] Pulse coding refers to pulse patterns used in various treatment protocols. This includes factors such as pulse length, inter-pulse delay, and pulse repetition. For example, a treatment protocol might include a pulse code with a 250-millisecond "on" time, a 100-millisecond "off" time (or dark period), and 100 pulses. This produces a total energy flux (J / cm²) of 25 seconds at the transmitter power output level. 2 This allows for comparison of pulse therapy and continuous wave therapy (continuous wave therapy is "coded" as a 1-pulse, with an "on" time of 0 seconds and an "off" time of 0 seconds regardless of the chosen treatment length). Pulse codes ranging from 1-1-1 to approximately 1000-1000-1000 can be envisioned.

[0075] Exemplary light may include a combination of yellow and infrared light (e.g., 590 nm and 870 nm) with an emission power of 4.0 mW / cm². 2 The pulse code is 250 / 100 / 100, or the transmission speed is approximately 0.1 J / cm. 2 This pulse encoding can provide the same energy flux as a 25-second continuous wave therapy.

[0076] Pulse codes ranging from 2 / 1 / 1 to approximately 1000 / 1000 / 1000 can be used to deliver clinically effective amounts of therapeutic light to retinal cells. However, pulses with durations shorter than nanoseconds are thought to provide effective treatment in certain cases. Therefore, these pulse codes are merely illustrative and not an exhaustive list of possible codes.

[0077] Various combinations of modes can be employed, as well as combinations of light sources within the array used for treatment. For example, it may be desirable to combine multiple wavelengths to achieve more efficient treatment. Multiple wavelengths may include combinations of light in the visible spectrum, combinations of visible light with infrared or ultraviolet light, and combinations of non-visible light. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a combination of yellow light and infrared light can be used to enhance the therapeutic effect of heat generated by light in the 660 nm region and the infrared region (>700 nm).

[0078] The keratin surface can be exposed to one or more wavelengths of light emitted from a single LED or an array of multiple LEDs, each LED emitting light in the range of about 300 nm to about 1600 nm. Various parameters (including pulse duration, energy, single or multiple pulses, pulse interval, total number of pulses, etc.) can be employed to deliver sufficient cumulative energy for cell interaction. This can be achieved through photomodulation, photothermal methods, or a combination thereof to enhance cell activity. Furthermore, when multiple light sources are used, the intensity ratio of each light source relative to the others should be selected. For example, an exemplary application of the invention may employ three light sources with primary emission wavelengths of 590 nm, 660 μm, and 870 nm, respectively.

[0079] Two completely different lasers or LEDs can be delivered essentially simultaneously with different parameters. For example, one beam might be primarily used for release or activation, while the second beam is primarily used for treatment. By using two beams simultaneously, such as red light with a wavelength of approximately 660 nm and red light with a wavelength of approximately 880 nm, additive or complementary effects can be achieved.

[0080] For example, light emitted with a dominant wavelength in the range of approximately 400 nm to approximately 420 nm has such a short wavelength that not all sebaceous glands or acne cysts can be effectively treated due to the limited depth of radiation penetration. In contrast, light with wavelengths of approximately 600 nm to approximately 660 nm can penetrate to greater depths more easily if treatment of the lower dermis or even deeper is required. Therefore, the choice of the dominant wavelength of the radiation emitter also depends on the desired treatment depth.

[0081] Energy density corresponds to the amount of energy transferred during irradiation, also known as energy intensity or light intensity. The optimal "dose" is affected by the pulse duration and wavelength. Generally, high energy produces an inhibitory effect, while low energy produces a stimulating effect.

[0082] The exposure time of light irradiation varies depending on the desired effect and the target cells, subcellular components, exogenous chromophore tissues or organs (e.g., 0.5 microseconds to 10 minutes may be effective for human fibroblasts, but longer or shorter times can also be used successfully).

[0083] Generally, the energy requirements differ when using pulsed mode compared to continuous wave (CW) mode. Pulsed mode is generally better suited for certain treatment regimens, while CW mode is better suited for others. Exemplary LED arrays can be used to deliver continuous wave (CW) light to affected cells, or they can be “pulsed” according to a defined code to provide beneficial therapy.

[0084] Higher frequencies tend to be inhibitory, while lower frequencies tend to be stimulating, but there may be exceptions.

[0085] Duty cycle refers to the repetition period of the device's light output, which is used to repeat the irradiation at periodic intervals. In this paper, it is also referred to as inter-pulse delay (the time between pulses when a treatment session consists of a series of pulses).

[0086] The light source 106 allows adjustment of various parameters, including pulse duration, energy, single or multiple pulses, interval between pulses, total number of pulses, etc., to provide sufficient cumulative energy to interact with the keratin surface or any reagent applied to the keratin surface.

[0087] Microneedles facilitate light penetration because they at least alter the stratum corneum.

[0088] Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5A graph showing the relationship between the skin contact time of the microneedles and the light source triggering time is illustrated. Typically, the phototrigger is timed to occur between the microneedle skin contact periods. The phototrigger is displayed as a square wave indicating on or off; however, the phototrigger can be generated with other waveforms.

[0089] Regarding the skin contact diagram, the diagram illustrates the microneedle skin contact period. Therefore, the skin non-contact period occurs before and after the microneedle skin contact period. For example, the microneedle skin contact period begins when the microneedle first contacts the keratin surface. The microneedle skin contact period includes the maximum penetration from the first skin contact to the extension of microneedle 112. The microneedle skin contact period includes the loss of skin contact from maximum penetration to the retraction of microneedle 112. Figure 1A As shown, when the microneedle 112 retracts inside the cover 118, it can be considered the non-contact period of the microneedle on the skin.

[0090] Depending on the length of the cover 118, the duration of the microneedle skin contact period is the same as the duration of the microneedle skin non-contact period.

[0091] Depending on the length of the cover 118, the duration of the microneedle skin contact period differs from the duration of the microneedle skin non-contact period.

[0092] Depending on the length of the cover 118, the duration of the microneedle skin contact period is longer than the duration of the microneedle skin non-contact period.

[0093] Depending on the length of the cover 118, the duration of the microneedle skin contact period is shorter than the duration of the microneedle skin non-contact period.

[0094] The light source 106 is turned on and off with pulses equal to the frequency of the microneedle oscillator or the frequency corresponding to the non-contact period of the microneedle on the skin. However, the light pulses can be turned on at the beginning or at any time after the start of the non-contact period of the microneedle on the skin, and turned off at the end or before the end of the non-contact period of the microneedle on the skin.

[0095] Figure 2 The duration of the light pulse is shown to be the same as the duration of the non-contact period of the microneedles on the skin. The activation of the light pulse coincides with the start of the non-contact period of the microneedles on the skin (the end of the contact period of the microneedles on the skin). The light pulse is deactivated at the end of the non-contact period of the microneedles on the skin (the start of the contact period of the microneedles on the skin).

[0096] Figure 3 The light pulses are shown to be activated after the start of the non-contact period of the microneedles on the skin. The light pulses can be deactivated before the end of the non-contact period. Furthermore, the light source can be activated and deactivated multiple times during the non-contact period or a combination thereof.

[0097] Figure 4 The diagram shows that the light pulses can be turned on to coincide with the start of the microneedle skin-non-contact period (and the end of the microneedle skin-contact period). The light pulses can be turned off before the end of the microneedle skin-non-contact period.

[0098] Figure 5 This demonstrates that the light source can be pulsed on and off multiple times during the non-contact period of the microneedle skin. The light pulses can also be turned on at any time at the beginning of the non-contact period (end of the microneedle skin contact period) or at any time thereafter. The light pulses can be turned off at any time before or at the end of the non-contact period (beginning of the microneedle skin contact period).

[0099] Figure 6 The light source can be turned on and off to coincide with the skin contact period of the microneedles. The duration of the light pulse is the same as the duration of the skin contact period of the microneedles. The light source can be turned on after the skin contact period of the microneedles and before the end of the skin contact period of the microneedles.

[0100] Figure 6 It was shown that the light source could be turned on at any time during the skin contact period of the microneedles, and turned off at any time during the skin contact period of the microneedles.

[0101] Figure 7 It shows that the light source can be turned on at any time during the microneedle skin contact period (including the start and end of the microneedle skin contact period), and can be turned off at any time during the microneedle skin non-contact period (including the start and end of the microneedle skin non-contact period).

[0102] Figure 7 It shows that the light source can be turned on at any time during the non-contact period of the microneedles to the skin (including the beginning and end of the microneedles to the skin contact period), and can be turned off at any time during the microneedles to the skin contact period (including the beginning and end of the microneedles to the skin exposure period).

[0103] Figure 7 This shows that the light frequency is lower than the skin contact frequency.

[0104] The frequency of a light source turning on and off is equal to the frequency of skin contact. The frequency of a light source turning on and off is higher than the frequency of skin contact, for example, 2 times, 1.5 times, 1.333 times, and 1.25 times the frequency of skin contact. The frequency of a light source turning on and off is lower than the frequency of skin contact, for example, 0.666 times, 0.5 times, 0.333 times, and 0.25 times the frequency of skin contact.

[0105] The oscillation frequency of the microneedles can range from 100 Hz to 10 kHz.

[0106] The oscillation frequency of the microneedles can range from 500 Hz to 10 kHz.

[0107] The oscillation frequency of the microneedles can range from 1 kHz to 10 kHz.

[0108] Therefore, the oscillation period of a microneedle is 0.001 seconds to 0.0001 seconds.

[0109] The non-contact period of the microneedles on the skin is 0.0005 seconds to 0.00005 seconds. The duration of the light source on period is 0.0005 seconds to 0.00005 seconds.

[0110] When the light source is activated after the start of the non-contact period of the microneedle on the skin, the light source activation period is less than 0.0005 seconds.

[0111] When multiple light pulses are applied during the non-contact period of the microneedles on the skin, the light source on-time is less than 0.0005 seconds.

[0112] When the light source activation period begins after the non-contact period of the microneedles on the skin, the light source activation period is less than 0.00005 seconds.

[0113] When multiple light pulses are applied during the non-contact period of the microneedles on the skin, the light source on-time is less than 0.00005 seconds.

[0114] Device 100 receives power from a battery or household current. The LED driver board, as part of the microprocessor, also provides oscillation for the microneedles, or the LED driver board may be a separate component. The LED driver board is connected to oscillator 104, which receives input to determine the cycle of the microneedles.

[0115] U.S. Patent Publication No. 2016 / 0220308 is hereby explicitly cited.

[0116] Although exemplary embodiments have been shown and described, it should be understood that various changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising: A chip that includes multiple microneedles on its first surface; An oscillator connected to the chip, wherein the oscillator oscillates the chip periodically, each cycle comprising a microneedle-skin contact period and a microneedle-skin non-contact period; and A light source that is triggered to turn on and off with pulses, wherein light is guided through the chip or the microneedles.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an optical element traversing the chip, wherein, The light is guided through the optical element.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, The optical element is a lens, filter, or diffuser.

4. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, The chip has a surface area defining a disk, and the optical element is located at the center of the disk.

5. The apparatus of claim 2 further includes a waveguide connecting the light source to the optical element.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The microneedles are made of a translucent, transparent, or light-transmitting material, and the light is guided through the microneedles.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The light source is triggered to turn on at any time after the start of the microneedle-skin non-contact period, or triggered to turn off before the end of the microneedle-skin non-contact period.

8. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The light source is triggered to turn on, thereby coinciding with the start of or the end of the skin-non-contact period of the microneedles.

9. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The duration of the light pulse is the same as or shorter than the duration of the non-contact period of the microneedles on the skin.

10. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The light source is triggered to turn on at any time after the start of the microneedle-skin non-contact period and is triggered to turn off before the end of the microneedle-skin non-contact period.

11. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The light source is triggered to turn on, thereby coinciding with the start and end of the microneedle-skin non-contact period.

12. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The light source is turned on and off multiple times during the non-contact period of the microneedles on the skin.

13. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The light source is triggered to turn on at any time after the start of the microneedle skin contact period, or triggered to turn off before the end of the microneedle skin contact period.

14. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The light source is triggered to turn on, thereby coinciding with the start of or the end of the microneedle skin contact period.

15. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The duration of the light pulse is the same as or shorter than the duration of the microneedle skin contact period.

16. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The light source is triggered to turn on at any time after the start of the microneedle skin contact period and is triggered to turn off before the end of the microneedle skin contact period.

17. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a cover surrounding the chip, within which the microneedle-like chip oscillates.

18. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The light source is a coherent light source.

19. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The light source is an incoherent light source.

20. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a proximity sensor, wherein the intensity of the light source is modulated as a function of the distance between the apparatus and the skin.

21. A microneedle-like chip, comprising: It has a shape with a back surface and a front surface; Multiple microneedles on the front surface of the chip; and An optical element that extends across the chip from the back surface to the front surface, wherein the optical element is light-transmitting.

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