Light alignment of microneedles

Abstract

A device includes: a chip including a plurality of microneedles on a first surface; an oscillator connected to the chip, wherein the oscillator oscillates the chip in cycles, each cycle including a period that microneedles contact the skin and a period that microneedles do not contact the skin; and a light that is triggered to pulse on and off, wherein the light is directed to pass through the chip or the microneedles.

Description

Title of Invention: LIGHT ALIGNMENT OF MICRONEEDLESSUMMARY

[0001] A device comprises a chip including a plurality of microneedles on a first surface; an oscillator connected to the chip, wherein the oscillator oscillates the chip in cycles, each cycle including a period of microneedle skin contact and a period of microneedle skin non-contact; and a light that is triggered to pulse on and off, wherein the light is directed to pass through the chip or the microneedles.

[0002] The device further comprises an optical element traversing the chip, wherein the light is directed through the optical element.

[0003] The optical element is a lens, filter, or a diffuser.

[0004] The chip has a surface area defining a disc, and the optical element is at a center of the disc.

[0005] The device further comprises a waveguide connecting the light to the optical element.

[0006] The microneedles are a translucent, transparent, or light-transmitting material and the light is directed to pass through the microneedles.

[0007] The light is triggered to turn on any time after a start of the period of microneedle skin non-contact or turn offbefore an end of the period of microneedle skin non-contact.

[0008] The light is triggered to turn on to coincide with a start of the period of microneedle skin non-contact or to coincide with an end of the period of microneedle skin non-contact.

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

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

[0011] The light is triggered to turn on to coincide with a start of the period of microneedle skin non-contact and to coincide with an end of the period of microneedle skin non-contact.

[0012] The light turns on and off multiple times within the period of microneedle skin non-contact.

[0013] The light is triggered to turn on any time after a start of the period of microneedle skin contact or turn offbefore an end of the period of microneedle skin contact.

[0014] The light is triggered to turn on to coincide with a start of the period of microneedle skin contact or to coincide with an end of the period of microneedle skin contact.

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

[0016] The light is triggered to turn on any time after a start of the period of microneedle skin contact and turn offbefore an end of the period of microneedle skin contact.

[0017] The device further comprises a hood surrounding the chip within which the microneedle chip oscillates.

[0018] 1The light is coherent light.

[0019] The light is non-coherent light.

[0020] The device further comprises a proximity sensor, and intensity of the light is modulated as a function of a distance of the device from skin.

[0021] A microneedle chip comprises a shape having a back and front surface; a plurality of microneedles on the front surface of the chip; and an optical element traversing the chip from the back to the front surface, wherein the optical element is transparent to light.

[0022] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify key features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0023] DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of this invention will become more readily appreciated as the same become better understood by reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0025] FIGURE 1 is a diagrammatical illustration of a microneedling and light therapy device; and

[0026] FIGURE 2 are graphs showing the correlation of the microneedle skin contact with light triggers;

[0027] FIGURE 3 are graphs showing the correlation of the microneedle skin contact with light triggers.

[0028] FIGURE 4 are graphs showing the correlation of the microneedle skin contact with light triggers;

[0029] FIGURE 5 are graphs showing the correlation of the microneedle skin contact with light triggers;

[0030] FIGURE 6 are graphs showing the correlation of the microneedle skin contact with light triggers; and

[0031] FIGURE 7 are graphs showing the correlation of the microneedle skin contact with light triggers.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] Microneedling includes a process of using small needles to make tiny piercings into the skin. Microneedling is used to treat a variety of skin conditions, such as acne, scars, wrinkles, and the like. Microneedling can also be combined with the application of topical formulations and cosmetics to enhance the effects of the formulations by delivering the formulations deeper into the skin or to provide longer lasting cosmetic effects.

[0033] Referring to FIGURES 1A and 1B, this disclosure relates to an oscillating microneedle device 100 including a chip 102 with a plurality of microneedles 112 on the chip 102. The chip 102 is further provided with a hole anywhere on the chip. The hole traverses the chip 102 so that light is directed through the chip 102 and / or microneedles 112 onto the area being treated by microneedling. A hole in the chip can support an optical element 108, such as a lens, filter, diffuser, and the like. A light source 106 directs light onto the optical element 108 either directly or through a waveguide 110, and the light is then directed on the skin. The light therapy device 100 can include a laser or light-emitting diodes (LEDs) of a particular wavelength or combination of wavelengths as the light source 106.

[0034] The microneedling device 100 includes a proximity sensor 122 on the device 100. The proximity sensor 122 senses the distance of the device 100 from the keratin surface. The light source 106 modulates the light intensity as a function of the distance of the device 100 from the skin. The goal is to make sure the skin is exposed to the right accumulated energy.

[0035] The proximity sensor 122 emits proximity signals (e.g., ultrasound signal, light signal, etc. ) toward the keratin surface, such as skin, to estimate a distance between the device and the skin. The proximity sensor 122 sends signals that are processed by the control circuit 120.

[0036] The microneedling device 100 is of a size and weight suitable for manual use at home or for traveling. The device is battery-powered or uses standard household current.

[0037] The microneedling device 100 oscillates the microneedle chip 102 at a frequency using one of a plurality of oscillating technologies (oscillator 104) . Because of the oscillations, the microneedles 112 go through a period of microneedle skin contact and a period of microneedle skin non-contact. The light source 106 pulses a light on and off according to any pulse code during the oscillation of the microneedles 112.

[0038] Electrical control circuit 120 in the device 100 controls the light pulses. The electrical control circuit 120 is provided as part of the oscillator 104 or the light source106 or is a separate module communicating with the oscillator 104 or the light source 106 or both the oscillator 104 and the light source 106.

[0039] Coupling microneedling with light therapy may enhance the light therapy effect. The microneedling chip 102 can penetrate the skin when the light is off, and the light is triggered when the microneedle chip 102 is ejected from the skin to enhance light penetration and efficacy. Combined microneedling and light can provide for higher skin rejuvenation when the light can penetrate below the skin surface.

[0040] FIGURE 1A is an illustration of the device 100 showing the microneedle chip 102 is retracted within a hood 118 placed at the distal end of the device 100. The hood 118 surrounds the chip 102 on all sides, and the end of the hood 118 extends beyond the distal end of the microneedle chip 102. Thus, the microneedles are preventing from skin contact.

[0041] FIGURE 1B is an illustration of the device 100 showing the microneedle chip 102 is extended outside of the hood 118. In FIGURE 1B, the microneedle chip 102 makes contact with the skin ifthe end of the hood 118 is resting against the skin.

[0042] According to the disclosure, the microneedle chip 102 is applied against a keratin surface, such as skin and lips, such that the microneedles 112 are capable of penetrating into the keratin surface. The microneedles 112 are capable of penetrating into the keratin surface while oscillating back and forth.

[0043] As shown in FIGURES 1A and 1B, the microneedle chip 102 is connected via a drive arm 114 to the oscillator 104 which oscillates the microneedle chip 102 to make contact repetitively with the surface of the keratin substance. The type of the oscillator 104 is not limited as long as it can produce back and forth oscillations.

[0044] The oscillations of the microneedle chip 102 can be performed with a variety of different oscillators. Oscillations can be performed with a mechanical motor and a rotary to linear converter. The oscillations can be performed with an electro-magnetic device. The oscillations can be performed with a piezoelectric ceramic crystal.

[0045] The frequency of oscillations of the microneedle chip 102 are in the range from 100 Hz to 10 kHz. The frequency of oscillations may be from 1 kHz to 8 kHz. The frequency of oscillations may be from 3 kHz to 6 kHz.

[0046] The microneedles 112 are present on a single side, i.e., the distal or front side, of the surface of the chip 102. The proximal or back side of the chip 102 is attached to the oscillator 104. Depending on the type of oscillator 104, the drive arm 114 is optional.

[0047] The chip 102 includes a hole traversing the 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 a combination of optical elements.

[0048] The optical element 108 is a transparent, translucent, or light-transmitting material to the light being generated by the light source 106. The lens 108 focuses, diffuses, or broadens the light exposure of a specific area. The lens 108 has positive or negative focal length properties to achieve the desired emission of light, and can be made of any number of materials, such as, but not limited to, glass, plastic, or resin.

[0049] The microneedles 112 are a transparent, translucent, or light-transmitting material to the light being generated by the light source 106, and can be made of any number of materials, such as, but not limited to, glass, plastic, or resin.

[0050] Further non-limiting examples of optically transparent, translucent, or light-transmitting materials for the lens 108, chip 102, and microneedles 112 include one or more of acrylonitrile butadaine styrene polymers, cellulosic, epoxy, ethylene butyl acrylate, ethylene tetrafluoroethylene, ethylene vinyl alcohol, fluorinated ethylene propylene, furan, nylon, phenolic, poly [2, 2, 4-trifluoro-5-trifluoromethoxy-1, 3-dioxole-co-tetrafluoroethylen-e] , poly [2, 2-bistrifluoromethyl-4, 5-difluoro-1, 3-dioxole-co-tetrafluoroeth-ylene] , poly [2, 3- (perfluoroalkenyl) perfluorotetrahydrofuran] , polyacrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polybenzimidazole, polycarbonate, polyester, polyetheretherketone, polyetherimide, polyethersulfone, polyethylene, polyimide, polymethyl methacrylate, polynorbornene, polyperfluoroalkoxyethylene, polystyrene,polysulfone, polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene fluoride, diallyl phthalate, thermoplastic elastomer, transparent polymers, vinyl esters, and the like.

[0051] The microneedles 112 are not provided on the lens 108. The surface area of the lens 108 in relation to the total surface area of the front side (distal side) of the chip 102 is from 10%to 90%. In one embodiment, the surface area of the lens 108 in relation to the total surface area of the front side (distal side) of the chip 102 is from 30%to 70%. In one embodiment, the surface area of the lens 108 in relation to the total surface area of the front side (distal side) of the chip 102 is from 40%to 60%. In one embodiment, the microneedles 112 may be present on 50%to 90%of the surface area that is not otherwise taken up by the lens 108.

[0052] In one embodiment, a microneedle 112 can be any suitable size and shape to at least puncture the stratum corneum of a skin surface. It may be preferable that the microneedles be designed to pierce and cross the stratum corneum. The microneedles may be capable of creating openings or passages in the stratum corneum.

[0053] If necessary, the height of the microneedles 112 may be adjusted so as to allow penetration to the epidermis and / or dermis of the skin, preferably to the epidermis, and more preferably to any one of the layers in the epidermis.

[0054] The shape of the microneedles 112 is not limited. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the microneedles 112 can take any reasonable shape, including, but not limited to, pyramids, cones, rods and / or pillars. As such, the microneedles 112 may have the same diameter at the tip as at the base or may taper in diameter in the direction from the base to the tip.

[0055] For example, the shape of the microneedle 112 may be in the form of a triangular pyramid, a square pyramid or a pentagonal pyramid. Alternatively, the microneedle 112 may be in the form of a cylinder preferably with a tip which may be formed by diagonally cutting the cylinder. The cross section of the microneedle 112 may take any geometric form including, circular, triangular, square, rectangular, polyhedral,regular or irregular forms, and the like. In an embodiment, a group of microneedles may take the form of hollow microcapillaries. However, for the present disclosure, solid (non-hollow) microneedles 112 may be preferable.

[0056] The height or length of the microneedle 112 is from 10 to 500 microns, preferably from 30 to 300 microns, and more preferably from 50 to 150 microns.

[0057] The microneedle 112 is in the form of a cone. The height or length of the cone of the microneedle 112 may be from 10 to 500 microns, preferably from 30 to 300 microns, and more preferably from 50 to 150 microns.

[0058] The base of the cone of the 112 may have a diameter or width of from 10 to 500 microns, preferably from 10 to 300 microns, and more preferably from 10 to 100 microns. If the base of the cone of the microneedle 112 is in the shape of an oval or ellipse, the length of the major axis or width of the oval may be from 10 to 500 microns, preferably from 10 to 300 microns, and more preferably from 10 to 100 microns.

[0059] The microneedle 112 may have an aspect ratio (length / width at 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) / (the diameter of the base of the cone) of the microneedle may be 1 or more, preferably 1.5 or more, and more preferably 2.0 or more.

[0060] The microneedle 112 is capable of penetrating into a keratin substance, such as skin and lips, to a depth of200 microns or less, preferably 180 microns or less, and more preferably 160 microns or less.

[0061] A narrow pitch (distance between any two adjacent microneedles) of microneedles 112 may not provide the microneedles with sufficient surface area so that the microneedles may not penetrate inside the skin. On the other hand, a too wide pitch may also cause issue that individual microneedle may not get enough pressure to penetrate. Thus, in one embodiment, the pitch of microneedles 112 is from 400 to 700 microns, and more preferably from 400 to 500 microns.

[0062] The microneedle chip 102 and the microneedles 112 are made of separate materials or made from separate and different materials. In one embodiment, the microneedle chip 102 and the microneedles 112 are made of a monolithic same material.

[0063] The exterior outline of the front and back surface of the chip 102 is a square, disc, rectangle, multi-sided shape, or the like. In one embodiment, the shape of the microneedle chip 102 is a shape suitable for application under the eyes, around the lips, depending on the application target of the microneedle sheet. For example, the shape can be a crescent shape. The chip 102 is a disc and the optical element 108 is placed in the center of the disc. The chip 102 is anything other than a disc shape and the optical element is placed in the centroid of the chip 102 if the centroid lies within the shape, or the optical element is placed in the middle of the longest dimension of the shape.

[0064] There is no limitation regarding how to prepare the microneedle chip 102 to be used. The microneedle chip 102 can be made with conventional technology such as molding, 3D printing, metal processing, and the like. The incorporation of US 2023 / 0051189 is hereby expressly made by reference.

[0065] Referring to FIGURE 1, the device 100 includes a light 106 of a power and wavelength suitable for therapy. The light 106 is further configured to pulse on and off at a frequency so that light reaches the skin during the during oscillation of the microneedles 112.

[0066] If necessary, the device 100 includes one or more waveguides 110 operably coupled to the optical element 108, which can be made from similar transparent, translucent, or light-transmitting materials similar to the optical element 108.

[0067] The light 106 together with the waveguide 110 and optical element 108 delivers electromagnetic energy stimulus of a character and for a duration sufficient to penetrate one or more dermal layers within the keratin surface area that is also subjected to microneedling.

[0068] The trigger frequency of the light is from 100 Hz to 10 kHz. The trigger frequency of the light is from 1 kHz to 8 kHz. The trigger frequency of the light is from 3 kHz to 6 kHz.

[0069] The device 100 includes single or multiple lights to produce either a single dominant emissive wavelength, i.e., a narrowband multichromatic radiation, or multiple wavelengths (either monochromatic, narrowband multichromatic, wideband multichromatic, or combinations thereof) . The single or multiple combinations may be applied either simultaneously or sequentially.

[0070] For the light, the device uses LEDs, ultrasound, or a laser. Other sources of energy, including (without limitation) microwave energy and radio frequency energy may also be used. One skilled in the art will recognize that any light source capable of emitting electromagnetic radiation at a therapeutically useful wavelength, as described herein, directly, or by means of optical filtration, is within the scope of suitable lights. For purposes of the photomodulatory and photothermal treatment methods, a light having a wavelength in the red (about 665 nm) or blue wavelength (about 470 nm) . The light wavelength is from about 100 nm to about 1400 nm is used, which includes visible light, ultraviolet light, and infrared light.

[0071] The light source 106 produces coherent light at different wavelengths for different skin benefits.

[0072] The light source 106 produces non-coherent light at different wavelengths for different skin benefits.

[0073] The light source 106 may use of multiple narrowband emitters. The laser diodes may be multichromatic with narrow wavelength bands around a dominant band, i.e., they are narrowband multichromatic devices-devices which emit electromagnetic in a narrow band of radiation either symmetrically or asymmetrically around a dominant wavelength.

[0074] LEDS, while not monochromatic, emit in such a narrow band as to be considered narrowband multichromatic emitters. The narrow band allows photons of slightly different wavelengths to be emitted. This can potentially be beneficial for creating certaindesirable multi photon interactions. In contrast, most commercial lasers emit light at a single wavelength of light and are considered monochromatic.

[0075] Lasers use coherent light, i.e., monochromatic light.

[0076] The light source 106 may use a combination of LEDs and lasers.

[0077] Wavelength may also determine tissue penetration depth. Tissue penetration depth for intact skin may be different than the tissue penetration depth for ulcerated or burned skin and may also be different for skin that has been abraded or enzymatically peeled or that has had at least a portion of the stratum corneum removed by any method. Penetration of any interfering chromophore that also absorbs at this same wavelength may also occur.

[0078] By way of illustrations, an array of LEDs can be used to emit light at one, or more, wavelengths to deliver energy fluence to the affected cells. The cells are provided with a clinically effective fluence of energy to initiate photomodulation and / or photoregeneration, but not enough light to cause damage to the cells due to the excessive light exposure that might be cause by higher-energy light sources such as lasers. There is photorejuvenation for “energizing” cells. Photoregulation controls or sends signals to cells. Photorevitalization may be used to slow, stop, or reverse programmed cells death or,in some case, revive necrotic cells. Photoregeneration may be used to differentiate cells. And photoreregulation may be employed to repair malfunctioning or damaged cells.

[0079] An LED array includes LED emitters that emit multiple wavelengths, a single wavelength, or the array may include multiple types of emitters, if more than one wavelength is used for treatment. Each LED will generally emit at a dominant emissive wavelength between about 300 nm and 1600 nm.

[0080] The array may include combinations of LEDs that emit in the visible and / or infrared portion of the spectrum. The emitters may be configured pulse, emit a continuous wave of light for an extended period of time, and emit simultaneously or in sequence.

[0081] The total energy fluence delivered depends on the specific affliction being treated, but will generally be less than about 10 J / cm. sup. 2, to avoid possible negative effects dueto overexposure of the retinal cells. When the light is being administered indirectly to the target, the fluence at the source may be much higher than 10 J / cm. sup. 2, but the fluence perceived by the source may be very low, due to the absorption and scattering of the light by tissue, bone, or other structures between the light source and the targeted cells. In some cases, a fluence as perceived by the targeted cells may be as small as a few nanojoules and the treatment may still be effective.

[0082] A pulse code refers to the pulse scheme for various treatment regimens. This includes various factors such as pulse length, interpulse delay, and pulse repetition. For example a treatment may comprise a pulse code of 250 msec “on” time, 100 msec “off’ time (or dark period) , and 100 pulses. This produces a total energy fluence, in J / cm. sup. 2, of 25 seconds times the power output level of the emitters. This permits a comparison of pulsed versus continuous wave treatment (the “code” for continuous wave treatment would be 1 pulse, an “on” time of whatever the treatment length is chosen to be, and an “off’ time of0 sec. ) . Pulse codes from 1-1-1 to about 1000-1000-1000 are contemplated.

[0083] An illustrative light may include the use of a combination of yellow and IR light, for example 590 nm and 870 nm, emitting at a power of 4.0 mW / cm2 with a pulse code of 250 / 100 / 100, or delivering about 0.1 J / cm. sup. 2. Such a pulse code may deliver the same energy fluence as a 25 second continuous wave treatment.

[0084] Pulse codes ranging from 2 / 1 / 1 to about 1000 / 1000 / 1000 may be employed to deliver a clinically effective amount of treatment light to retinal cells, however pulses with a duration as short of nanoseconds are believed to provide effective treatment in certain circumstances, thus these pulse codes are merely illustrative and not exhaustive of possible codes.

[0085] Combinations of the various modes may be employed as can combinations of light sources within an array for treatment. For example, it may be desirable to combine multiple wavelengths to achieve more efficient treatment. The multiple wavelengths may include combinations of light in the visible spectrum, combinations of visible and infrared or ultraviolet light, or combinations of non-visible light. In one illustrativeembodiment of the invention, a combination of yellow and infrared light may be used to augment the treatment achieved by 660 nm light with heat produced by light in the infrared region (>700 nm) .

[0086] The keratin surface may be exposed to one or more wavelengths of LED emitted from a single LED or an array of LEDS, each of which may emit one or more wavelengths of light in the range of from about 300 nm to about 1600 nm. A variety of parameters may be used (including pulse duration, energy, single or multiple pulses, the interval between pulses, the total number of pulses, etc. ) to deliver sufficient cumulative energy to interact with the cells. This may result in improved cellular activity, through photomodulatory means, photothermal means, or combinations thereof. Moreover, when multiple light sources are employed, the ratio of intensity of each source should be selected with respect to each of the other light sources. For example, one illustrative use of the invention may employ three light sources. The light sources may have dominant emissive wavelengths of 590 nm, 660μm, and 870 nm.

[0087] Two entirely different lasers or LEDs may be delivered substantially simultaneously at different parameters. For example, one beam may be delivered primarily to release or to activate, and a second beam primarily to treat. Additive or complimentary effects may be achieved by using two beams at the same time, such as the use of red light with a wavelength of approximately 660 nm and another with a wavelength of approximately 880 nm.

[0088] For example, light having a dominant wavelength emission in the range of about 400 nm to about 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 penetration of the radiation, whereas light having a wavelength of about 600 nm to about 660 nm can more easily penetrate to a greater depth, if treatment of the lower dermal layers or even deeper is desirable. Accordingly, the selection of the dominant wavelength of the radiation emitter is also dependent on the depth of treatment desired.

[0089] The energy density corresponds to the amount of energy delivered during irradiation and is also referred to as energy intensity and light intensity. The optimal ‘dose’ is affected by pulse duration and wavelength. In general high energy produces inhibition and lower energy produces stimulation.

[0090] The exposure time for the light irradiation varies with the desired effect and the target cell, subcellular component, exogenous chromophore tissue or organ (e.g. 0.5 microseconds to 10 min may be effective for human fibroblasts, though greater or lesser may also be used successfully) .

[0091] In general, the energy requirements are different if pulsed mode is used compared to continuous (CW) modes. Generally, the pulsed mode is preferred for certain treatment regimen and the CW mode for others. The illustrative array of LEDs may be used to deliver a continuous wave (CW) of light to the affected cells, or may be “pulsed” according to a code determined to provide beneficial treatment.

[0092] Higher frequency tends to be inhibitory while lower frequency tends to be stimulatory, but exceptions may occur.

[0093] The duty cycle is the device light output repetition cycle whereby the irradiation is repeated at periodic intervals, also referred to herein as the interpulse delay (time between pulses when the treatment session comprises a series of pulses) .

[0094] The light source 106 allows a variety of parameters that may be adjusted including pulse duration, energy, single or multiple pulses, the interval between pulses, the total number of pulses, etc. to deliver sufficient cumulative energy to interact with the keratin surface or any agents applied to the keratin surface.

[0095] Microneedling assists in the light penetration because of the alteration of at least the stratum corneum due to the microneedling.

[0096] FIGURES 2, 3, 4, and 5 show relationships of the timing of microneedle skin contact with a graph showing the timing of light triggers. Generally, the light triggers are timed to occur between periods of microneedle skin contact. The light trigger is shown asa square wave that is either on or off; however, the light triggers can be produced in other waveforms.

[0097] Regarding the skin contact graph, the figures show periods of microneedle skin contact. Therefore, the skin non-contact periods occur before and after the periods of microneedle skin contact. A period of microneedle skin contact begins, for example, when microneedles first make contact with a keratin surface. A period of microneedle skin contact includes from the first skin contact through maximum penetration during microneedle 112 extension. A period of microneedle skin contact includes from the maximum penetration to the loss of skin contact during microneedle 112 retraction. The periods of microneedle skin non-contact can be represented when the microneedles 112 retract within the hood 118 as illustrated in FIGURE 1A.

[0098] Depending on the length of the hood 118, the periods of microneedle skin contact are the same duration as the periods of microneedle skin non-contact.

[0099] Depending on the length of the hood 118, the periods of microneedle skin contact are not the same duration as the periods of microneedle skin non-contact.

[0100] Depending on the length of the hood 118, the periods of microneedle skin contact are a longer duration as the periods of microneedle skin non-contact.

[0101] Depending on the length of the hood 118, the periods of microneedle skin contact are a shorter duration as the periods of microneedle skin non-contact.

[0102] The light 106 pulses on and off at a frequency equal to the frequency of the microneedle oscillator or corresponding to period of microneedle skin non-contact. However, the light pulse can turn on at the start or any time thereafter during the period of microneedle skin non-contact and turn off at the end the period of microneedle skin non-contact or before the end of the period of microneedle skin non-contact.

[0103] FIGURE 2 illustrates duration of the light pulses is the same duration as the period of microneedle skin non-contact. The light pulses turn on to coincide with the start of the period of microneedle skin non-contact (end of the period of microneedle skincontact) . The light pulses turn off to coincide with the end of the period of microneedle skin non-contact (start of the period of microneedle skin contact) .

[0104] FIGURE 3 illustrates that the light pulses can turn on after the start of the period of microneedle skin non-contact. The light pulses can turn off before the end of the period of microneedle skin non-contact. Further, the light can pulse on and off multiple times within the period of microneedle skin non-contact, or combinations of the above.

[0105] FIGURE 4 illustrates that the light pulses can turn on to coincide with the start of the period of microneedle skin non-contact (end of the period of microneedle skin contact) . The light pulses can turn off before the end of the period of microneedle skin non-contact.

[0106] FIGURE 5 illustrates the light can pulse on and off multiple times within the period of microneedle skin non-contact. The light pulses can also turn on to coincide with the start of the period of microneedle skin non-contact (end of the period of microneedle skin contact) or anytime thereafter. The light pulses can turn off to coincide with the end of the period of microneedle skin non-contact (start of the period of microneedle skin contact) or anytime before.

[0107] FIGURE 6 illustrates the light can turn on and off to coincide with the period of microneedle skin contact. The duration of the light pulses is the same duration as the period of microneedle skin contact. The light can turn on after the period of microneedle skin contact and before the end of the period of microneedle skin contact.

[0108] FIGURE 6 illustrates the light can turn on anytime withing the period of microneedle skin contact and turn off anytime during the period of microneedle skin contact.

[0109] FIGURE 7 illustrates the light can turn on anytime during the period of microneedle skin contact, including the start and end of the period of microneedle skin contact and turn off anytime during the period of microneedle skin non-contact including the start and end of the period of microneedle skin non-contact.

[0110] FIGURE 7 illustrates the light can turn on anytime during the period of microneedle skin non-contact including the start and end of the period of microneedle skin non-contact and turn off during the period of microneedle skin contact including the start and end of the period of microneedle skin contact.

[0111] FIGURE 7 illustrates the light frequency is less than the skin contact frequency.

[0112] The light on and off frequency is equal to the skin contact frequency. The light on and off frequency is greater than the skin contact frequency, for example, 2 times the skin contact frequency, 1.5 times the skin contact frequency, and 1.333 times the skin contact frequency, and 1.25 times the skin contact. The light on and off frequency is less than the skin contact frequency, for example, 0.666 times the skin contact frequency, 0.5 times the skin contact frequency, 0.333, and 0.25 times the skin contact frequency.

[0113] The frequency of microneedle oscillations may be from 100 Hz to 10 kHz.

[0114] The frequency of microneedle oscillations may be from 500 Hz to 10 kHz.

[0115] The frequency of microneedle oscillations may be from 1 kHz to 10 kHz.

[0116] Therefore, one microneedle oscillation cycle is 0.001 second to 0.0001 second.

[0117] The period of microneedle skin non-contact is 0.0005 seconds to 0.00005 seconds. The light on period has a duration of0.0005 seconds to 0.00005 seconds.

[0118] The light on period is less than 0.0005 seconds, when the light on period starts after the start of the microneedle skin non-contact period.

[0119] The light on period is less than 0.0005 seconds, when multiple pulses of light are performed during the microneedle skin non-contact period.

[0120] The light on period is less than 0.00005 seconds, when the light on period starts after the start of the microneedle skin non-contact period.

[0121] The light on period is less than 0.00005 seconds, when multiple pulses of light are performed during the microneedle skin non-contact period.

[0122] The device 100 receives power from batteries or household current. An LED driver board is included as part of a microprocessor also providing the oscillations of the microneedles or the LED driver board is a separate component. The LED driver board isconnected to oscillator 104 which receives an input to determine the periods of the microneedle cycles.

[0123] The incorporation of US 2016 / 0220308 is hereby expressly made by reference.

[0124] While illustrative embodiments have been illustrated and described, it will be appreciated that various changes can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

[Claim FF-1] The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:

1. A device, comprising: a chip including a plurality of microneedles on a first surface; an oscillator connected to the chip, wherein the oscillator oscillates the chip in cycles, each cycle including a period of microneedle skin contact and a period of microneedle skin non-contact; and a light that is triggered to pulse on and off, wherein the light is directed to pass through the chip or the microneedles.

2. The device of claim 1, further comprising an optical element traversing the chip, wherein the light is directed through the optical element.

3. The device of claim 2, wherein the optical element is a lens, filter, or a diffuser.

4. The device of claim 2, wherein the chip has a surface area defining a disc, and the optical element is at a center of the disc.

5. The device of claim 2, further comprising a waveguide connecting the light to the optical element.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein the microneedles are a translucent, transparent, or light-transmitting material and the light is directed to pass through the microneedles.

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

8. The device of claim 1, wherein the light is triggered to turn on to coincide with a start of the period of microneedle skin non-contact or to coincide with an end of the period of microneedle skin non-contact.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein a duration of light pulses is the same duration as the period of microneedle skin non-contact or shorter than the period of microneedle skin non-contact.

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

11. The device of claim 1, wherein the light is triggered to turn on to coincide with a start of the period of microneedle skin non-contact and to coincide with an end of the period of microneedle skin non-contact.

12. The device of claim 1, wherein the light turns on and off multiple times within the period of microneedle skin non-contact.

13. The device of claim 1, wherein the light is triggered to turn on any time after a start of the period of microneedle skin contact or turn off before an end of the period of microneedle skin contact.

14. The device of claim 1, wherein the light is triggered to turn on to coincide with a start of the period of microneedle skin contact or to coincide with an end of the period of microneedle skin contact.

15. The device of claim 1, wherein a duration of light pulses is the same duration as the period of microneedle skin contact or shorter than the period of microneedle skin contact.

16. The device of claim 1, wherein the light is triggered to turn on any time after a start of the period of microneedle skin contact and turn off before an end of the period of microneedle skin contact.

17. The device of claim 1, further comprising a hood surrounding the chip within which the microneedle chip oscillates.

18. The device of claim 1, wherein the light is coherent light.

19. The device of claim 1, wherein the light is non-coherent light.

20. The device of claim 1, further comprising a proximity sensor, and intensity of the light is modulated as a function of a distance of the device from skin.

21. A microneedle chip, comprising: a shape having a back and front surface; a plurality of microneedles on the front surface of the chip; and an optical element traversing the chip from the back to the front surface, wherein the optical element is transparent to light.

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