MICRONEEDLE LIGHT ALIGNMENT

Abstract

LIGHT ALIGNMENT OF MICRONEEDLES 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 of contact of the microneedles with the skin and a period of non-contact of the microneedles with the skin; and a light that is triggered to pulse on and off, wherein the light is directed to pass through the chip or microneedles. Figure for abstract: none

Description

Title of the invention: MICRONEEDLE LIGHT ALIGNMENT SUMMARY

[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 contact of the microneedles with the skin and a period of non-contact of the microneedles with the skin; and a light that is triggered to pulse on and off, wherein the light is directed to pass through the chip or microneedles.

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

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

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

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

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

[0007] The light is triggered to turn on at any time after a start of the period of non-contact of the microneedles with the skin or to turn off before an end of the period of non-contact of the microneedles with the skin.

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

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

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

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

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

[0013] The light is triggered to turn on at any time after a start of the period of contact of the microneedles with the skin or to turn off before an end of the period of contact of the microneedles with the skin.

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

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

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

[0017] The device further comprises a cover surrounding the chip in which the microneedle chip oscillates.

[0018] Light is coherent light.

[0019] Light is non-coherent light.

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

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

[0022] This summary is provided to present a selection of concepts in simplified form which are described more fully below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features of the claimed subject matter or to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. Description of the drawings

[0023] The foregoing aspects and numerous related advantages of this invention will be more readily appreciated as they are better understood with reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0024] [Fig.lA][Fig.lB] Figures 1A and 1B are a schematic illustration of a microperforation and light therapy device;

[0025] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a graph showing the correlation between microneedle contact with the skin and light triggers;

[0026] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a graph showing the correlation between microneedle contact with the skin and light triggers.

[0027] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a graph showing the correlation between the contact of the mi croaiguilles with skin and light triggers;

[0028] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] is a graph showing the correlation between the contact of the mi croaiguilles with skin and light triggers;

[0029] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] is a graph showing the correlation between the contact of the mi croaiguilles with skin and light triggers; and

[0030] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] is a graph showing the correlation between the contact of the mi croaiguilles with skin and light triggers. Detailed description

[0031] Micropuncture includes a process of using small needles to make tiny punctures in the skin. Micropuncture is used to treat a variety of skin conditions, such as acne, scars, wrinkles, and the like. Micropuncture may 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.

[0032] 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 passes through the chip 102 such that light is directed through the chip 102 and / or the microneedles 112 onto the area being micropunched. A hole in the chip may 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 onto the skin. The light therapy device 100 may include a laser diode or light emitting diodes (LEDs) of a particular wavelength or combination of wavelengths as the light source 106.

[0033] The microperforation device 100 includes a proximity sensor 122 on the device 100. The proximity sensor 122 senses the distance between the device 100 and the keratinous surface. The light source 106 modulates the light intensity based on the distance between the device 100 and the skin. The objective is to ensure that the skin is exposed to the correct stored energy.

[0034] The proximity sensor 122 transmits proximity signals (e.g., ultrasonic signal, light signal, etc.) to the keratinous surface, such as the 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.

[0035] The microperforation device 100 is of a size and weight suitable for a manual use at home or on the go. The device is battery powered or uses standard household current.

[0036] The microperforation device 100 oscillates the microneedle chip 102 at a frequency using one of a plurality of oscillation technologies (oscillator 104). Due to the oscillations, the microneedles 112 go through a period of contact of the microneedles with the skin and a period of non-contact of the microneedles with the skin. The light source 106 pulses on and off according to a pulse code during the oscillation of the microneedles 112.

[0037] The 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 source 106 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.

[0038] Coupling micro-perforation with light therapy can enhance the effect of light therapy. The micro-perforation 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 the penetration and effectiveness of the light. The combination of micro-perforation and light can achieve greater skin rejuvenation when the light can penetrate below the surface of the skin.

[0039] [Fig. 1 A] is an illustration of the device 100 showing that the microneedle chip 102 is retracted within a cover 118 positioned at the distal end of the device 100. The cover 118 surrounds the chip 102 on all sides, and the end of the cover 118 extends beyond the distal end of the microneedle chip 102. This prevents skin contact of the microneedles.

[0040] [Fig.lB] is an illustration of the device 100 showing that the microneedle chip 102 is extended outside the cover 118. In [Fig.lB], the microneedle chip 102 contacts the skin if the end of the cover 118 rests against the skin.

[0041] According to the disclosure, the microneedle chip 102 is applied to a keratinous surface, such as skin and lips, such that the microneedles 112 are capable of penetrating the keratinous surface. The microneedles 112 are capable of penetrating the keratinous surface while oscillating back and forth.

[0042] 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 repeatedly contact the surface of the keratinous substance. The type of the oscillator 104 is not limited as long as it can produce reciprocating oscillations.

[0043] The oscillations of the microneedle chip 102 can be carried out with a variety of different oscillators. Oscillations can be carried out with a mechanical motor and a rotary / linear converter. Oscillations can be carried out with an electromagnetic device. Oscillations can be carried out with a piezoelectric ceramic crystal.

[0044] The frequency of the oscillations of the microneedle chip 102 is in the range of 100 Hz to 10 kHz. The frequency of the oscillations may be from 1 kHz to 8 kHz. The frequency of the oscillations may be from 3 kHz to 6 kHz.

[0045] The microneedles 112 are present on only one side, i.e., the distal or front side, of the surface of the chip 102. The proximal or rear side of the chip 102 is attached to the oscillator 104. Depending on the type of oscillator 104, the drive arm 114 is optional.

[0046] The chip 102 includes a hole passing through 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, a diffuser, a filter, or a combination of optical elements.

[0047] The optical element 108 is a transparent, translucent, or light-transmitting material or light generated by the light source 106. The lens 108 focuses, diffuses, or broadens the light exposure to a specific area. The lens 108 has positive or negative focal length properties to achieve the desired light emission, and may be made of any material, such as, but not limited to, glass, plastic, or resin.

[0048] The microneedles 112 are a transparent, translucent, or light-transmissive material to the light generated by the light source 106, and may be made of any material, such as, but not limited to, glass, plastic, or resin.

[0049] Other 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 butadiene styrene, 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-tetrafluoroethylene], poly[2,2-bistrifluoromethyl-4,5-difluoro-1,3-dioxole-co-tetrafluoroethylene], 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.

[0050] The microneedles 112 are not provided on the lens 108. The surface area of ​​the lens 108 relative to the total surface area of ​​the front side (distal side) of the chip 102 is 10% to 90%. In one embodiment, the surface area of ​​the lens 108 relative to the total surface area of ​​the front side (distal side) of the chip 102 is 30% to 70%. In one embodiment, the surface area of ​​the lens 108 relative to the total surface area of ​​the front side (distal side) of the chip 102 is 40% to 60%. In one embodiment, the microneedles 112 may be present on 50% to 90% of the surface area not otherwise occupied by the lens 108.

[0051] In one embodiment, a microneedle 112 may be of any size and shape suitable for at least puncturing the stratum corneum of a skin surface. It may be preferable for the microneedles to be designed to pierce and penetrate the stratum corneum. Microneedles may be able to create openings or passages in the stratum corneum.

[0052] If necessary, the height of the microneedles 112 can be adjusted so as to allow penetration of the epidermis and / or the dermis of the skin, preferably of the epidermis, and more preferably of any of the layers of the epidermis.

[0053] The shape of the microneedles 112 is not limited. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the microneedles 112 may 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 have a tapered diameter in the direction from the base to the tip.

[0054] For example, the shape of microneedle 112 may be a triangular pyramid, a square pyramid, or a pentagonal pyramid. Alternatively, microneedle 112 may also be in the shape of a cylinder, preferably with a tip that may be formed by cutting the cylinder diagonally. The cross-section of microneedle 112 may take any geometric shape, including circular, triangular, square, rectangular, polyhedral, regular or irregular, and the like. In one 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] The microneedle 112 is cone-shaped. 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.

[0057] The base of the cone of the microneedle 112 may have a diameter or a width of 10 to 500 microns, preferably 10 to 300 microns, and more preferably 10 to 100 microns. If the base of the cone of the microneedle 112 is oval or elliptical in shape, the length of the major axis or the width of the oval may be 10 to 500 microns, preferably 10 to 300 microns, and more preferably 10 to 100 microns.

[0058] The microneedle 112 may have an aspect ratio (length / width at the base) of at least about 3:1, at least about 2:1, or at least about 1:1. The (taper height) / (taper base diameter) ratio of the microneedle may be 1 or greater, preferably 1.5 or greater, and more preferably 2.0 or greater.

[0059] The microneedle 112 is capable of penetrating a keratinous substance, such as skin and lips, to a depth of 200 microns or less, preferably 180 microns or less, and more preferably 160 microns or less.

[0060] A narrow pitch (distance between any two adjacent microneedles) of the microneedles 112 may not provide the microneedles with sufficient surface area so that the microneedles may not penetrate into the skin. On the other hand, too wide a pitch may also cause a problem that an individual microneedle may not obtain enough pressure for penetration. Thus, in one embodiment, the pitch of the microneedles 112 is 400 to 700 microns, and more preferably 400 to 500 microns.

[0061] The microneedle chip 102 and the microneedles 112 are made of distinct materials or distinct and different materials. In one embodiment, the microneedle chip 102 and the microneedles 112 are made of the same monolithic material.

[0062] The outer contour of the front and back surfaces of the chip 102 is a square, disc, rectangular, multi-sided, or similar shape. 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 may 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 has a shape other than a disc and the optical element is placed at the centroid of the chip 102 if the centroid is within the shape, or the optical element is placed in the middle of the longest dimension of the shape.

[0063] There is no limitation on how to prepare the microneedle chip 102 for use. The microneedle chip 102 can be made with conventional technology such as molding, 3D printing, metal processing, and the like.

[0064] 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 such that the light reaches the skin during oscillation of the microneedles 112.

[0065] If desired, the device 100 includes one or more waveguides 110 operatively coupled to the optical element 108, which may be made from similar transparent, translucent, or light-transmitting materials similar to the optical element 108.

[0066] The light 106 together with the waveguide 110 and the optical element 108 deliver an electromagnetic energy stimulus of a character and for a duration sufficient to penetrate one or more dermal layers within the keratinous surface which is also subject to microperforation.

[0067] The light trigger frequency is 100 Hz to 10 kHz. The light trigger frequency is 1 kHz to 8 kHz. The light trigger frequency is 3 kHz to 6 kHz.

[0068] The device 100 includes a single light or multiple lights to produce either a single dominant emissive wavelength, i.e., narrowband multichromatic radiation, or multiple wavelengths (monochromatic, narrowband multichromatic, broadband multichromatic, or combinations thereof). The single or multiple combinations may be applied simultaneously or sequentially.

[0069] For the light, the apparatus uses LEDs, ultrasound, or a laser. Other energy sources, including (without limitation) microwave energy and radiofrequency energy, may also be used. A person 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 filtering, is within the scope of suitable lights. For the purposes of the photomodulatory and photothermal treatment methods, light having a wavelength in the red (about 665 nm) or blue (about 470 nm) range. The wavelength of light from about 100 nm to about 1400 nm is used, which includes visible light, ultraviolet light, and infrared light.

[0070] The light source 106 produces coherent light at different wavelengths for different skin benefits.

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

[0072] The light source 106 may use multiple narrowband emitters. The laser diodes may be multichromatic with narrow wavelength bands around a dominant band, i.e., they are narrowband multichromatic devices that emit electromagnetic radiation in a narrow band, symmetrically or asymmetrically around a dominant wavelength.

[0073] LEDs, although not monochromatic, emit in such a narrow band that they are considered narrowband multichromatic emitters. The narrowband allows photons of slightly different wavelengths to be emitted. different. This can potentially be beneficial in creating some desirable multiphoton interactions. In contrast, most commercial lasers emit light at a single wavelength of light and are considered monochromatic.

[0074] Lasers use coherent light, that is, monochromatic light.

[0075] The light source 106 may use a combination of LEDs and lasers.

[0076] Wavelength may also determine the depth of tissue penetration. The depth of tissue penetration for intact skin may be different from the depth of tissue penetration 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 chromophores that also absorb at this same wavelength may also occur.

[0077] For illustration, an LED array may be used to emit light at one or more wavelengths to provide energy fluence to affected cells. The cells are provided with a clinically effective energy fluence to initiate photomodulation and / or photoregeneration, but insufficient light to cause damage to the cells due to excessive light exposure that could be caused by higher energy light sources such as lasers. Photorejuvenation exists to "stimulate" cells. Photoregulation commands or signals cells. Photorevitalization may be used to slow, stop, or reverse programmed cell death or, in some cases, to revive necrotic cells. Photoregeneration may be used to differentiate cells.And photoregulation can be used to repair defective or damaged cells.

[0078] 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 processing. Each LED will generally emit at a dominant emissive wavelength between about 300 nm and 1600 nm.

[0079] The array may include combinations of LEDs that emit in the visible and / or infrared portion of the spectrum. The emitters may be configured to send a pulse, emit a continuous wave of light for an extended period, and emit simultaneously or in sequence.

[0080] The total energy fluence delivered depends on the specific affliction being treated, but will generally be less than about 10 J / cm.sup.2, in order to avoid possible negative effects due to overexposure of retinal cells. When the light is ad delivered indirectly to the target, the fluence at the source can be much higher than 10 J / cm.sup.2, but the fluence perceived by the source can be very low, due to absorption and scattering of light by tissues, bones, or other structures between the light source and the targeted cells. In some cases, a fluence as perceived by the targeted cells may be only a few nanojoules and the treatment can still be effective.

[0081] A pulse code refers to the pulse pattern for different treatment regimens. This includes various factors such as pulse length, delay between pulses, and pulse repetition. For example, a treatment may include 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 multiplied by the output power level of the emitters. This allows for comparison of pulsed wave treatment versus continuous wave treatment (the "code" for continuous wave treatment would be 1 pulse, an "on" time regardless of the treatment length chosen, and an "off" time of 0 s.). Pulse codes from 1-1-1 to approximately 1000-1000-1000 are contemplated.

[0082] An illustrative light may include the use of a combination of yellow and infrared 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.

[0083] 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 as short as nanoseconds are believed to provide effective treatment under certain circumstances, so these pulse codes are only illustrative and not exhaustive of possible codes.

[0084] Combinations of the different modes may be employed, as may combinations of light sources within an array for treatment. For example, it may be desirable to combine multiple wavelengths to achieve more effective treatment. The multiple wavelengths may include combinations of light in the visible spectrum, combinations of visible and infrared or ultraviolet light, or combinations of invisible light. In an illustrative embodiment 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).

[0085] The keratinous surface may be exposed to one or more LED wavelengths emitted by a single LED or array of LEDs, each of which may emit one or more wavelengths of light in the range of about 300 nm to about 1600 nm. A variety of parameters may be used (including pulse duration, energy, single pulse or multiple pulses, interval between pulses, total number of pulses, etc.) to provide sufficient cumulative energy to interact with cells. This may result in enhanced cellular activity, by photomodulatory means, photothermal means, or combinations thereof. In addition, when multiple light sources are used, the intensity ratio of each source should be selected relative to each of the other light sources. For example, an illustrative use of the invention may employ three light sources.Light sources can have dominant emissive wavelengths of 590 nm, 660 qm and 870 nm.

[0086] 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 activate, and a second beam primarily to treat. Additional or complementary effects may be achieved by using two beams at the same time, such as using red light with a wavelength of about 660 nm and another with a wavelength of about 880 nm.

[0087] 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 penetration depth of the radiation, while light having a wavelength of about 600 nm to about 660 nm can penetrate more easily to a greater depth, if treatment of lower or even deeper dermal layers is desirable. Accordingly, the choice of the dominant wavelength of the radiation emitter also depends on the desired treatment depth.

[0088] Energy density is 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, higher energy produces inhibition and lower energy produces stimulation.

[0089] The exposure time for light irradiation varies depending on the desired effect and the target cell, subcellular component, exogenous chromophoric tissue or organ (e.g., a duration of 0.5 microseconds to 10 minutes may be effective for human fibroblasts, but a longer or shorter duration may also be used successfully).

[0090] In general, the power requirements are different if the pulsed mode is used by versus continuous (CW) modes. In general, pulsed mode is preferable for some treatment regimens and CW mode for others. The illustrative LED array can be used to deliver a continuous wave (CW) of light to affected cells, or can be "pulsed" according to a determined code to provide beneficial treatment.

[0091] A higher frequency tends to be inhibitory while a lower frequency tends to be stimulatory, but exceptions may occur.

[0092] Duty cycle is the device light output repetition cycle by which 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).

[0093] The light source 106 allows for a variety of parameters that can be adjusted, including pulse duration, energy, single pulse or multiple pulses, interval between pulses, total number of pulses, etc. to deliver sufficient cumulative energy to interact with the keratinous surface or any agent applied to the keratinous surface.

[0094] Microperforation facilitates light penetration due to the alteration of at least the stratum corneum due to the microperforation.

[0095] Figures 2, 3, 4 and 5 show the relationships between the timing of microneedle contact with the skin with a graph showing the timing of light triggers. Generally, light triggers are timed to occur between periods of microneedle contact with the skin. The light trigger is shown as a square wave that is either on or off; however, light triggers can be produced in other waveforms.

[0096] With respect to the skin contact graph, the numbers show the periods of contact of the microneedles with the skin. Therefore, the periods of non-contact with the skin occur before and after the periods of contact of the microneedles with the skin. A period of contact of the microneedles with the skin begins, for example, when the microneedles first come into contact with a keratinous surface. A period of contact of the microneedles with the skin is from first contact with the skin to maximum penetration during extension of the microneedles 112. A period of contact of the microneedles with the skin is from maximum penetration to loss of contact with the skin during retraction of the microneedles 112. The periods of non-contact of the microneedles with the skin can be shown when the microneedles 112 retract within the cover 118 as illustrated in [Fig. 1A].

[0097] Depending on the length of the cover 118, the periods of contact of the microneedles with the skin are of the same duration as the periods of non-contact of the microneedles with the skin.

[0098] Depending on the length of the cover 118, the periods of contact of the microneedles with the skin are not of the same duration as the periods of non-contact of the microneedles with the skin.

[0099] Depending on the length of the cover 118, the periods of contact of the microneedles with the skin are of longer duration than the periods of non-contact of the microneedles with the skin.

[0100] Depending on the length of the cover 118, the periods of contact of the microneedles with the skin are of shorter duration than the periods of non-contact of the microneedles with the skin.

[0101] The light 106 pulses on and off at a frequency equal to the frequency of the microneedle oscillator or corresponding to the period of non-contact of the microneedles with the skin. However, the pulse of light may turn on at the beginning or at any time thereafter during the period of non-contact of the microneedles with the skin and turn off at the end of the period of non-contact of the microneedles with the skin or before the end of the period of non-contact of the microneedles with the skin.

[0102] [Fig.2] illustrates that the duration of the light pulses is the same as that of the period of non-contact of the microneedles with the skin. The light pulses turn on to coincide with the beginning of the period of non-contact of the microneedles with the skin (end of the period of contact of the microneedles with the skin). The light pulses turn off to coincide with the end of the period of non-contact of the microneedles with the skin (start of the period of contact of the microneedles with the skin).

[0103] [Fig. 3] illustrates that the light pulses may turn on after the start of the period of non-contact of the microneedles with the skin. The light pulses may turn off before the end of the period of non-contact of the microneedles with the skin. Furthermore, the light may turn on and off in a pulsed manner multiple times during the period of non-contact of the microneedles with the skin, or combinations of the above.

[0104] [Fig.4] illustrates that the light pulses may turn on to coincide with the start of the period of non-contact of the microneedles with the skin (end of the period of contact of the microneedles with the skin). The light pulses may turn off before the end of the period of non-contact of the microneedles with the skin.

[0105] [Fig. 5] illustrates that the light may pulse on and off multiple times during the period of non-contact of the microneedles with the skin. The light pulses may also be turned on to coincide with the beginning of the period of non-contact of the microneedles with the skin (end of the contact period microneedles with the skin) or at any time thereafter. The light pulses may turn off to coincide with the end of the period of non-contact of the microneedles with the skin (beginning of the period of contact of the microneedles with the skin) or at any time before.

[0106] [Fig.6] illustrates that the light can be switched on and off to coincide with the period of contact of the microneedles with the skin. The duration of the light pulses is the same as that of the period of contact of the microneedles with the skin. The light can be switched on after the period of contact of the microneedles with the skin and before the end of the period of contact of the microneedles with the skin.

[0107] [Fig.6] illustrates that the light can turn on at any time during the period of contact of the microneedles with the skin and turn off at any time during the period of contact of the microneedles with the skin.

[0108] [Fig.7] illustrates that the light can turn on at any time during the period of contact of the microneedles with the skin, including the beginning and end of the period of contact of the microneedles with the skin, and turn off at any time during the period of non-contact of the microneedles with the skin, including the beginning and end of the period of non-contact of the microneedles with the skin.

[0109] [Fig.7] illustrates that the light may turn on at any time during the period of non-contact of the microneedles with the skin, including the beginning and end of the period of non-contact of the microneedles with the skin, and turn off during the period of contact of the microneedles with the skin, including the beginning and end of the period of contact of the microneedles with the skin.

[0110] [Fig.7] illustrates that the light frequency is lower than the skin contact frequency.

[0111] The frequency of switching on and off the light is equal to the skin contact frequency. The frequency of switching on and off the light 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 frequency. The frequency of switching on and off the light 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.

[0112] The frequency of microneedle oscillations can be from 100 Hz to 10 kHz.

[0113] The frequency of microneedle oscillations can be from 500 Hz to 10 kHz.

[0114] The frequency of microneedle oscillations can be from 1 kHz to 10 kHz.

[0115] Therefore, one cycle of microneedle oscillation is 0.001 seconds to 0.0001 seconds.

[0116] The period of non-contact of the microneedles with the skin is from 0.0005 seconds to 0.00005 seconds. The light-on period has a duration of from 0.0005 seconds to 0.00005 seconds.

[0117] The light-on period is less than 0.0005 seconds, when the light-on period begins after the start of the period of non-contact of the microneedles with the skin.

[0118] The light on period is less than 0.0005 seconds, when multiple light pulses are performed during the period of non-contact of the microneedles with the skin.

[0119] The light-on period is less than 0.00005 seconds, when the illumination period begins after the start of the period of non-contact of the microneedles with the skin.

[0120] The light on period is less than 0.00005 seconds, when multiple light pulses are performed during the period of non-contact of the microneedles with the skin.

[0121] The device 100 receives power from batteries or household current. An LED driver board is part of a microprocessor that also provides the oscillations of the microneedles or the LED driver board is a separate component. The LED driver board is connected to the oscillator 104 which receives an input to determine the periods of the microneedle cycles.

[0122] Although illustrative embodiments have been illustrated and described, it will be appreciated that various changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

Claims

1. A device (100), comprising: a chip (102) including a plurality of microneedles (112) on a first surface; an oscillator (104) connected to the chip, wherein the oscillator oscillates the chip in cycles, each cycle including a period of contact of the microneedles with the skin and a period of non-contact of the microneedles with the skin; and a light (106) that is triggered to turn on and off in a pulsed manner, wherein the light is directed to pass through the chip or microneedles.

2. The device of claim 1, further comprising an optical element (108) passing through the chip, wherein light is directed through the optical element.

3. A device according to claim 2, wherein the optical element (108) is a lens, a filter or a diffuser.

4. The device of claim 2, wherein the chip (102) has a surface area defining a disk, and the optical element is at the center of the disk.

5. The device of claim 2, further comprising a waveguide (110) connecting the light to the optical element.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein the microneedles (112) are a translucent, transparent, or light-transmitting material and light is directed to pass through the microneedles.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein the light (106) is triggered to turn on at any time after a start of the period of non-contact of the microneedles (112) with the skin or to turn off before an end of the period of non-contact of the microneedles with the skin.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein the light (106) is triggered to turn on to coincide with a start of the period of non-contact of the microneedles (112) with the skin or coincide with an end of the period of non-contact of the microneedles with the skin.

9. The device of claim 1, further comprising a cover (118) surrounding the chip in which the microneedle chip oscillates.

10. The device of claim 1, further comprising a proximity sensor (122), and the intensity of the light is modulated accordingly of a distance of the device from the skin