Drug impregnation device

Abstract

This invention provides a drug infusion device that enhances the electroporation effect while suppressing the occurrence of short-circuit failures due to migration. [Solution] The drug penetration device 1 includes an electrode unit 20. The electrode unit 20 includes a first electrode 22 and a second electrode 24 to which a voltage is applied, and an insulating base material 23 placed between the first electrode 22 and the second electrode 24. The first electrode 22, the second electrode 24 and the base material 23 are each layered and stacked on top of each other. The first body 22a, which is the body of the first electrode 22, and the second body 24a, which is the body of the second electrode 24, are each smaller than the base material body 23a, which is the body of the base material 23, when viewed in the stacking direction. The first body 22a is positioned on the side that contacts the skin than the second body 24a, and has a notch 22f as a first penetrating portion that penetrates along the stacking direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a drug penetration device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is a device that generates an electric field by applying a potential difference between electrodes that are in close proximity to each other while being close to the skin, forms minute pores in the stratum corneum on the skin surface by electroporation action, and increases the drug transfer rate into the stratum corneum. Patent Document 1 discloses a technique related to a patch for topical drug delivery having electrodes capable of causing an electroporation action.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In order to enhance the electroporation effect more, it is necessary to increase the potential difference applied between the electrodes. However, in the patch disclosed in Patent Document 1, the electrodes are arranged in the same layer as a parallel pattern in which the electrodes are in close proximity to each other and mesh with each other. Therefore, if the potential difference is increased with this electrode configuration, there is a risk of a short - circuit failure due to migration.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in view of such problems of the prior art. And the object of the present disclosure is to provide a drug penetration device that enhances the electroporation effect while suppressing the occurrence of short - circuit failures due to migration.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A drug penetration device according to an aspect of the present disclosure comprises an electrode unit having a first electrode and a second electrode that are in contact with the skin and to which a voltage is applied; a third electrode for penetrating a drug in contact with or in close proximity to the skin; and a fourth electrode to which a voltage is applied between the third electrode and the third electrode in contact with or in close proximity to another part of the skin. The electrode unit comprises an insulating substrate disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, and the first electrode, the second electrode and the substrate are each layered and stacked with each other. The first body, which is the body of the first electrode, and the second body, which is the body of the second electrode, are each smaller than the substrate body, which is the body of the substrate, when viewed in the stacking direction, and the first body is positioned on the side that is in contact with the skin than the second body, and has a first penetration portion that penetrates along the stacking direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide a drug infiltration device that enhances the electroporation effect while suppressing the occurrence of short-circuit failures due to migration. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a side view of a drug penetration device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a front view of a drug penetration device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a rear view of the drug penetration device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view of the electrode unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This is an exploded view of the electrode unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a plan view showing a first example of the first electrode in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a partial cross-sectional view of the head frame that holds the electrode unit. [Figure 8] This is a control block diagram of a drug infiltration device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] This is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the operating principle of the electrode unit. [Figure 10]It is a graph showing the relationship between the electrode distance of the first electrode and the drug penetration magnification factor. [Figure 11] It is a plan view showing a second example of the first electrode in the first embodiment. [Figure 12] It is a plan view showing a third example of the first electrode in the first embodiment. [Figure 13] It is a front view of the drug penetration device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 14] It is a perspective view of the light-emitting unit in the second embodiment. [Figure 15] It is a plan view of the first electrode in the second embodiment. [Figure 16] It is a plan view of the second electrode in the second embodiment.

Embodiments for Carrying out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, overly detailed explanations may be omitted. For example, detailed explanations of well-known matters or duplicate explanations for substantially the same configurations may be omitted. The attached drawings and the following explanations are provided for those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0010] (First Embodiment) FIG. 1, FIG. 2, and FIG. 3 are schematic views showing the appearance of the drug penetration device 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 1 is a side view of the drug penetration device 1. FIG. 2 is a front view of the drug penetration device 1. FIG. 3 is a rear view of the drug penetration device 1.

[0011] The drug penetration device 1 realizes an electroporation action that forms minute pores in the stratum corneum (epidermal lamellar structure) on the skin surface and the penetration of drugs and the like containing substances with large molecular weights into the stratum corneum. As an example, the drug penetration device 1 adopts a method in which the drug penetration device 1 is applied to the user's own skin (skin) while the user holds it.

[0012] The drug penetration device 1 first includes a housing 10 and an electrode unit 20.

[0013] The housing 10 is a member that forms the exterior of the drug penetration device 1 and serves as a structural foundation. The housing 10 has a gripping portion 11 and a head portion 12. The gripping portion 11 is a rod-shaped portion having a thickness that can be gripped by a human hand. The gripping portion 11 houses, for example, a control unit 41 and a power supply unit 42 (both shown in FIG. 8) inside, and also includes a fourth electrode 32, a part of which is exposed outside. The head portion 12 is a portion that is continuous with one end of the gripping portion 11 and where the electrode unit 20 and the third electrode 31 are installed back to back with each other.

[0014] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the electrode unit 20. The electrode unit 20 contacts the skin of an individual such as a human body HB (see FIG. 8), and by continuously generating, for example, a pulsed electric field on the skin, an electroporation effect is produced to form minute pores in the stratum corneum.

[0015] The electrode unit 20 is sheet-like as a whole and has an electrode main body portion 20a, an electrode wiring portion 20b, and an electrode terminal portion 20c. The electrode main body portion 20a has a contact surface 20d that is exposed to the outside from the housing 10 and can contact the skin to be treated. The planar shape of the electrode main body portion 20a is, for example, a long rectangle with four rounded corners. The electrode wiring portion 20b is routed while being deformed inside the housing 10 when the electrode unit 20 is installed in the housing 10. The electrode terminal portion 20c is connected to a connector (not shown) for electrical connection to the control unit 41 side when the electrode unit 20 is installed in the housing 10.

[0016] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the electrode unit 20. The electrode unit 20 includes a first cover 21, a first electrode 22, a base material 23, a second electrode 24, and a second cover 25, each of which is layer-like. The first cover 21, the first electrode 22, the base material 23, the second electrode 24, and the second cover 25 are laminated in that order. Hereinafter, corresponding to the vertical direction shown in FIG. 5, the direction in which these components are laminated with each other is referred to as the "lamination direction".

[0017] The first cover 21 covers the first electrode 22 by sandwiching it between the base material 23. The first cover 21 is made of an insulating material such as polyimide. The first cover 21 has a first cover body 21a, a first wiring cover 21b, and a first terminal cover 21c. The first cover body 21a is an element that constitutes the electrode body portion 20a. The planar shape of the first cover body 21a defines the planar shape of the electrode body portion 20a. Of the two surfaces of the first cover body 21a, the surface opposite to the side facing the base material 23 becomes the contact surface 20d in the electrode unit 20. The first wiring cover 21b is an element that constitutes the electrode wiring portion 20b, and covers the first wiring 22b of the first electrode 22 by sandwiching it between the wiring side base material 23b of the base material 23. The first terminal cover 21c is an element that constitutes the electrode terminal portion 20c, and covers the first terminal 22c of the first electrode 22 by sandwiching it between the terminal side base material 23c of the base material 23.

[0018] A voltage is applied to the first electrode 22 between it and the second electrode 24, which is located opposite it with the substrate 23 in between. The first electrode 22 is formed of a conductive material such as copper foil.

[0019] Figure 6 is a plan view of the first electrode 22, as a first example of the first electrode, as seen from the first cover 21 side in a stacking direction view. The first electrode 22 has a first body 22a, a first wiring 22b, and a first terminal 22c. The first body 22a is an element that constitutes the electrode body portion 20a. The first wiring 22b is an element that constitutes the electrode wiring portion 20b, and is composed of one wire as an example. One end of the first wiring 22b is continuous with a part of the outer edge of the first body 22a, and the other end of the first wiring 22b is continuous with the first terminal 22c. The first terminal 22c is an element that constitutes the electrode terminal portion 20c, and a part of it is exposed to the outside of the electrode unit 20.

[0020] Furthermore, the first body 22a has a first through-hole that penetrates along the stacking direction. The first through-hole in the first electrode 22 is a plurality of linear notches 22f arranged parallel to each other. Specifically, in the first body 22a, a plurality of linear branches 22d having a predetermined electrode width W1 are arranged in parallel in a stripe pattern, and adjacent branches 22d are separated by a predetermined interval defined by the electrode distance W2. In addition, in the first body 22a, a linear conductive portion 22e is provided that extends in the parallel direction of the branches 22d in order to ensure conductivity between the plurality of branches 22d. In other words, the notches 22f are portions that form a spatial region by being enclosed by adjacent branches 22d and a part of the conductive portion 22e.

[0021] The base material 23 is placed between the first electrode 22 and the second electrode 24. The base material 23 is made of an insulating material such as polyimide. The base material 23 has a base material body 23a, a wiring-side base material 23b, and a terminal-side base material 23c. The base material body 23a is an element that constitutes the electrode body portion 20a. The wiring-side base material 23b is an element that constitutes the electrode wiring portion 20b, and as described above, it covers the first wiring 22b of the first electrode 22 by sandwiching it with the first wiring cover 21b of the first cover 21. The terminal-side base material 23c is an element that constitutes the electrode terminal portion 20c, and as described above, it covers the first terminal 22c of the first electrode 22 by sandwiching it with the first terminal cover 21c of the first cover 21.

[0022] A voltage is applied to the second electrode 24 between it and the first electrode 22, which is facing it across the base material 23. The second electrode 24 is made of a conductive material such as copper foil. The second electrode 24 has a second body 24a, a second wiring 24b, and a second terminal 24c. The second body 24a is an element that constitutes the electrode body portion 20a. Here, while the first body 22a of the first electrode 22 has a notch 22f as a first through portion, the second body 24a does not have such a first through portion and is a single flat shape with its entire surface continuously connected. The second wiring 24b is an element that constitutes the electrode wiring portion 20b and, as an example, is composed of a single wire. One end of the second wiring 24b is continuous with a part of the outer edge of the second body 24a, and the other end of the second wiring 24b is continuous with the second terminal 24c. The second terminal 24c is an element that constitutes the electrode terminal portion 20c, and a portion of it is exposed to the outside of the electrode unit 20.

[0023] Here, the first body 22a of the first electrode 22 and the second body 24a of the second electrode 24 are smaller than the base body 23a of the base material 23 when viewed in the stacking direction. In this embodiment, the first body 22a, the second body 24a and the base body 23a have equivalent outer edge shapes when viewed in the stacking direction, but the size of the outer edges of the first body 22a and the second body 24a is set to be smaller than the size of the outer edge of the base body 23a.

[0024] In the example of the electrode unit 20 shown in Figure 5, the sizes of the first body 22a and the second body 24a are set to be the same when viewed in the stacking direction. However, there may be cases where the first body 22a is smaller than the second body 24a when viewed in the stacking direction. Also, in the example of the electrode unit 20 shown in Figure 5, the second body 24a is a single flat shape with its entire surface continuously connected, but depending on whether the desired electric field strength E can be obtained, or depending on the manufacturing advantages of the electrode unit 20, it may be the same shape as the first body 22a.

[0025] The second cover 25 covers the second electrode 24 by sandwiching it between the base material 23. The second cover 25 is made of an insulating material such as polyimide. The second cover 25 has a second cover body 25a, a second wiring cover 25b, and a second terminal cover 25c. The second cover body 25a is an element that constitutes the electrode body portion 20a. The planar shape of the second cover body 25a, together with the first cover body 21a, defines the planar shape of the electrode body portion 20a. Of the two surfaces of the second cover body 25a, the surface opposite to the side facing the base material 23 is the surface facing the inside of the housing 10. The second wiring cover 25b is an element that constitutes the electrode wiring portion 20b, and covers the second wiring 24b of the second electrode 24 by sandwiching it between the wiring side base material 23b of the base material 23. The second terminal cover 25c is an element that constitutes the electrode terminal portion 20c, and covers the second terminal 24c of the second electrode 24 by sandwiching it between the terminal side base material 23c of the base material 23.

[0026] The electrode unit 20 is constructed by bonding these components together via an adhesive. For example, the electrode unit 20 may be configured as a flexible printed circuit board.

[0027] Furthermore, the drug infiltration device 1 includes a head frame 13 for attaching the electrode unit 20 to the housing 10.

[0028] Figure 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of the head frame 13 that holds the electrode unit 20, corresponding to the VII-VII section shown in Figure 2. The head frame 13 may comprise, for example, a frame body 13a, a frame portion 13b, an annular base 13c, and a base body 13d. The frame body 13a is annular and is connected to the head portion 12 of the housing 10. In this case, the electrode body portion 20a of the electrode unit 20 is placed on the annular base 13c and base body 13d, which are supported on the inner circumference side of the frame body 13a. The annular frame portion 13b is fitted to the frame body 13a while holding down the outer circumference of the electrode body portion 20a which is placed on the annular base 13c and base body 13d, thereby allowing the electrode unit 20 to be attached to the head frame 13. The base body 13d may also be provided with a through hole 13e through which the electrode wiring portion 20b of the electrode unit 20 passes towards the inside of the housing 10. Since the electrode wiring section 20b is routed through the through hole 13e, the electrode unit 20 is securely held by the head frame 13 while being less likely to interfere with other structural parts inside the housing 10, thus broadening the design possibilities for the drug impregnation device 1.

[0029] Furthermore, the drug penetration device 1 includes a third electrode 31 and a fourth electrode 32.

[0030] The third electrode 31 is positioned facing the outside of the housing 10 and is an electrode that comes into contact with the surface of the skin. The third electrode 31 has, for example, a triangular prism shape with rounded corners and is provided to protrude from the head portion 12.

[0031] The fourth electrode 32 is positioned on the gripping portion 11 of the housing 10 and is an electrode that touches the skin surface in a different area than the third electrode 31. The fourth electrode 32 has an oval shape in plan view that curves along the outer surface of the gripping portion 11 and is positioned on the outer surface of the gripping portion 11 opposite to the third electrode 31, that is, on the side where the electrode unit 20 is exposed. As a result, when a user gripping the gripping portion 11 positions the third electrode 31 near the skin of their face, the fourth electrode 32 comes into contact with the user's palm. At this time, the fourth electrode 32 and the palm are in close contact with each other strongly and over a wide area, so that a predetermined voltage can be reliably applied between the fourth electrode 32 and the third electrode 31 via the user's body HB, and a potential gradient can be generated near the surface of the skin.

[0032] Figure 8 is a control block diagram of the drug infiltration device 1. In Figure 8, the user's body (HB) is schematically shown as a dashed block, and the direction in which the body (HB) touches each electrode is indicated by dashed arrows. The drug infiltration device 1 comprises a control unit 41 and a power supply unit 42.

[0033] The control unit 41 is electrically connected to the electrode unit 20, the third electrode 31, and the fourth electrode 32. The control unit 41 includes components that constitute a circuit for generating a pulsed or other electric field by applying a voltage between the first electrode 22 and the second electrode 24 included in the electrode unit 20. The control unit 41 also includes components that constitute a circuit for applying a voltage between the third electrode 31 and the fourth electrode 32. Furthermore, the control unit 41 includes a processor and the like for driving these circuits. The power supply unit 42 is electrically connected to the control unit 41 and supplies power to the circuits within the control unit 41.

[0034] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, the drug penetration device 1 is equipped with a switch button 14 as an operating unit. The switch button 14 is exposed to the outside, for example, from the gripping portion 11 of the housing 10, and is operated by the user. There may be multiple switch buttons 14, such as a power / mode switch operated when turning the power on / off and switching treatment modes, or a level switch operated when adjusting the power supply level.

[0035] Next, the operation of the electrode unit 20 and the drug penetration device 1 using the electrode unit 20 will be explained.

[0036] Figure 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the operating principle of the electrode unit 20. Specifically, Figure 9 is a magnified view of a portion of the electrode unit 20, simulating the situation when an electric field E is generated.

[0037] First, as an action of the electrode unit 20, when a voltage is applied so as to create a potential difference between the first electrode 22 and the second electrode 24, an electric field E is generated between the first electrode 22 and the second electrode 24. At this time, the electric field E tends to be generated more strongly towards the second electrode 24 from the edges (corners) of the first electrode 22 than from other parts of the first electrode 22. Here, the edges of the first electrode 22 correspond to the edges 22g of each of the multiple branches 22d in the example shown in Figure 9. The electric field E generated from each edge 22g or the vicinity of the edges 22g of each branch 22d tends to be directed toward the second electrode 24 through the space formed by the notch 22f, which is a first through-hole provided in the first electrode 22. In other words, by providing the first through-hole, such as the notch 22f, the first electrode 22 is provided with more edges where a strong electric field E is likely to be generated. Furthermore, the overall electrode unit 20 achieves higher electric field generation efficiency compared to a case where, for example, the first electrode 22 does not have a first through-hole such as a notch 22f.

[0038] The electrode unit 20 enhances the electrolysis generation efficiency and applies a stronger electric field E to the skin, thereby increasing the electroporation effect and making it easier to create microscopic pores in the stratum corneum on the skin surface. At this time, the generated electric field E passes through the first cover 21 and heads toward the skin, so the skin does not come into direct contact with the first electrode 22. Therefore, even if a stronger electric field E is applied by the electrode unit 20, the user will feel less pain.

[0039] Furthermore, the first electrode 22 and the second electrode 24 are insulated from each other by the substrate 23. Therefore, even if the potential difference is set to be larger in order to enhance the electroporation effect, short-circuit failures due to migration will not occur.

[0040] Next, regarding the operation of the drug penetration device 1, first, the user turns on the power by operating the switch button 14, and then selects the treatment mode using electroporation with the electrode unit 20. As a result, power is supplied from the power supply unit 42 to the control unit 41, and a pulsed potential is applied from the control unit 41 to the first electrode 22 and the second electrode 24 of the electrode unit 20, generating a pulsed electric field E. The user applies the contact surface 20d of the electrode unit 20 to a desired area of ​​their skin, thereby generating an electroporation effect with the electric field E and creating tiny pores in the stratum corneum of the skin surface.

[0041] Following the electroporation treatment, the user selects a treatment mode using iontophoresis with the third electrode 31 and the fourth electrode 32 by operating the switch button 14. A closed circuit is then formed via the control unit 41 when the third electrode 31 touches the desired skin surface of the user, and the fourth electrode 32 touches a different skin surface than the third electrode 31. In this state, the control unit 41 applies an electric potential, generating iontophoresis and allowing the drug to penetrate the desired area of ​​the user's skin. At this time, the stratum corneum already has more or larger micropores created by the electroporation action using the electrode unit 20. Therefore, applying iontophoresis with the third electrode 31 and the fourth electrode 32 to the stratum corneum containing these micropores further promotes the penetration of the drug through these micropores.

[0042] Next, the effects of the electrode unit 20 and the drug penetration device 1 will be explained.

[0043] First, the electrode unit 20 according to this embodiment is intended to be in contact with the skin and comprises a first electrode 22 and a second electrode 24 to which a voltage is applied, and an insulating base material 23 placed between the first electrode 22 and the second electrode 24. The first electrode 22, the second electrode 24, and the base material 23 are each layered and stacked on top of each other. The first body 22a, which is the main body of the first electrode 22, and the second body 24a, which is the main body of the second electrode 24, are each smaller than the base material body 23a, which is the main body of the base material 23, when viewed in the stacking direction. The first body 22a is positioned on the side that contacts the skin more than the second body 24a and has a first through portion that penetrates along the stacking direction.

[0044] Here, the first through portion is, for example, a plurality of notches 22f.

[0045] With this electrode unit 20, since the first body 22a of the first electrode 22 has a first through-hole, the first body 22a has a larger portion that forms an edge structurally. As a result, as described above, the overall electric field generation efficiency of the electrode unit 20 is increased, making it easier to create minute pores in the stratum corneum of the skin surface through electroporation.

[0046] Furthermore, in the electrode unit 20, an insulating substrate 23 is placed between the first electrode 22 and the second electrode 24, and the first body 22a and the second body 24a are set to be smaller than the substrate body 23a when viewed in the stacking direction. Therefore, the first electrode 22 and the second electrode 24 are insulated from each other by the substrate 23. As a result, even if the potential difference is set to be larger in order to enhance the electroporation effect, a short circuit failure due to migration will not occur between the first electrode 22 and the second electrode 24.

[0047] As described above, this embodiment provides an electrode unit 20 that enhances the electroporation effect while suppressing the occurrence of short-circuit defects due to migration.

[0048] Furthermore, in the electrode unit 20, the first body 22a may be smaller than the second body 24a when viewed in the stacking direction.

[0049] With this electrode unit 20, the entire outer edge of the first body 22a can also function as an edge that more easily generates a stronger electric field E, thereby further enhancing the electroporation effect.

[0050] Furthermore, in the electrode unit 20, the first through-hole may be a plurality of linear notches 22f arranged parallel to each other.

[0051] With this electrode unit 20, as illustrated in Figure 6, the first body 22a of the first electrode 22 can be provided with more edges that are more likely to generate a stronger electric field E.

[0052] Figure 10 is a graph showing the relationship between the inter-electrode distance W2 of the first electrode 22 and the hyaluronic acid drug penetration ratio, as an example, when the first body 22a of the first electrode 22 is provided with multiple notches 22f as illustrated in Figure 6. The horizontal axis represents the inter-electrode distance W2, and the vertical axis represents the hyaluronic acid drug penetration ratio as a ratio. The thickness of the first body 22a is set to 1 mm or less. Figure 10 also shows the results when the inter-electrode distance W2 is set to three levels: 0.5 [mm], 1.0 [mm], and 2.0 [mm], and the electrode width W1 is set to three levels: 0.5 [mm], 1.0 [mm], and 2.0 [mm] for each setting of the inter-electrode distance W2.

[0053] As shown in Figure 10, based on the results under the above conditions, the highest drug penetration ratio for hyaluronic acid is achieved when both the electrode width W1 and the inter-electrode distance W2 are set to 1.0 [mm]. Therefore, when the electrode unit 20 is provided with multiple notches 22f as exemplified in Figure 6, the shape of the first body 22a can be made more suitable by defining the shape of the notches 22f based on these results.

[0054] Furthermore, in the electrode unit 20, the first through-hole may consist of multiple holes.

[0055] The shape of the first through-hole is not limited to the multiple notches 22f exemplified above. For example, in the electrode unit 20, the following first electrode 50 or first electrode 51 may be used instead of the first electrode 22.

[0056] Figure 11 is a plan view showing a first electrode 50 as a second example, replacing the first electrode 22 as a first example. The first electrode 50 has a first body 50a, a first wiring 50b, and a first terminal 50c. The first body 50a corresponds to the first body 22a in the first electrode 22. The first wiring 50b has the same shape as the first wiring 22b in the first electrode 22. The first terminal 50c has the same shape as the first terminal 22c in the first electrode 22. In the first body 50a, the first through-holes that penetrate along the stacking direction are numerous first holes 50e with a circular opening shape formed in the body plate 50d.

[0057] Figure 12 is a plan view showing a first electrode 51 as a third example, replacing the first electrode 22 as a first example. The first electrode 51 has a first body 51a, a first wiring 51b, and a first terminal 51c. The first body 51a corresponds to the first body 22a in the first electrode 22. The first wiring 51b has the same shape as the first wiring 22b in the first electrode 22. The first terminal 51c has the same shape as the first terminal 22c in the first electrode 22. In the first body 51a, the first through-holes that penetrate along the stacking direction are second holes 51e with a rectangular opening shape, which are formed in large numbers in the body plate 51d.

[0058] With this electrode unit 20, the inner edges of each of the multiple first holes 50e and the multiple second holes 51e can become edges that are more likely to generate a stronger electric field E. In other words, similar to the multiple notches 22f provided in the first body 22a of the first electrode 22, more edges that are more likely to generate a stronger electric field E can be provided.

[0059] Furthermore, the electrode unit 20 may include an insulating cover that sandwiches the first electrode 22 between the substrate 23 and the electrode unit 20.

[0060] Here, the insulating cover that sandwiches the first electrode 22 between the substrate 23 corresponds to the first cover 21 in the above example.

[0061] With this electrode unit 20, even when the electrode unit 20 is brought close to the skin, it is insulated by the first cover 21, so even if a stronger electric field E is applied, it is possible to make it less likely for the skin to feel pain.

[0062] Furthermore, the drug penetration device 1 according to this embodiment includes an electrode unit 20 comprising a first electrode 22 and a second electrode 24 that are in contact with the skin and to which a voltage is applied. The drug penetration device 1 also includes a third electrode 31 that penetrates the drug in contact with or in close proximity to the skin, and a fourth electrode 32 to which a voltage is applied between the third electrode 31 and another part of the skin in contact with or in close proximity.

[0063] This drug penetration device 1 includes an electrode unit 20, which allows for electroporation using the electrode unit 20 before applying iontophoresis to the skin using the third electrode 31 and fourth electrode 32. As a result, iontophoresis can be applied to the stratum corneum, which already has more or larger micropores, thus further promoting the penetration of drugs through these micropores.

[0064] According to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a drug penetration device 1 equipped with an electrode unit 20 that enhances the electroporation effect while suppressing the occurrence of short-circuit failures due to migration.

[0065] Furthermore, in the drug penetration device 1, a higher voltage may be applied to the first electrode 22 than to the second electrode 24.

[0066] This drug penetration device 1 makes it easier for the generated electric field E to act on the skin, thereby enhancing the electroporation effect of the electrode unit 20 and further increasing the drug penetration effect through iontophoresis using the third electrode 31, etc.

[0067] (Second Embodiment) By improving the drug penetration device 1 exemplified in the first embodiment, it is also possible to construct a drug penetration device that provides a skin-beautifying effect using LEDs (light-emitting diodes).

[0068] Figure 13 is a schematic front view showing the external appearance of the drug penetration device 2 according to the second embodiment. Hereinafter, components of the drug penetration device 2 that are the same as those of the drug penetration device 1 according to the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will be omitted.

[0069] The drug penetration device 2 first includes a light-emitting unit 33.

[0070] Figure 14 is a perspective view of the light-emitting unit 33. The light-emitting unit 33 consists of a mounting substrate 33b on which a plurality of LEDs 33a are mounted. The plurality of LEDs 33a are arranged on one surface of the mounting substrate 33b in a so-called staggered grid pattern, with the spacing between adjacent rows staggered. However, the arrangement of each LED 33a is not limited to this. Referring to the head frame 13 illustrated in Figure 7, the light-emitting unit 33 can be installed between the electrode body 20a and the annular base 13c and base body 13d. The mounting substrate 33b is electrically connected to the control unit 41.

[0071] In this embodiment, the drug penetration device 2 is provided with multiple light-passing holes in the electrode unit 60 to allow the light emitted from each LED 33a to be emitted outwards.

[0072] First, the electrode unit 60 includes a first electrode 52 that replaces the first electrode 22 included in the electrode unit 20 in the first embodiment, and a second electrode 53 that replaces the second electrode 24 included in the electrode unit 20 in the first embodiment.

[0073] Figure 15 is a plan view of the first electrode 52 in the second embodiment. The first electrode 52 has a first body 52a, a first wiring 52b, and a first terminal 52c. The first body 52a corresponds to the first body 22a in the first electrode 22. The first wiring 52b has the same shape as the first wiring 22b in the first electrode 22. The first terminal 52c has the same shape as the first terminal 22c in the first electrode 22.

[0074] Furthermore, the first body 52a has a first through portion that penetrates along the stacking direction. However, the first through portion of the first electrode 52 has a plurality of light-passing holes 52i for allowing light emitted from the LED 33a to pass through, in addition to the plurality of notches 22f in the first electrode 22 in the first embodiment. First, the first body 52a has a branch portion 52d corresponding to the plurality of linear branch portions 22d in the first embodiment. Also, the first body 52a has a conductive portion 52e corresponding to the linear conductive portion 22e in the first embodiment. Furthermore, the first body 52a has a plurality of annular portions 52h according to the installation position of the plurality of LEDs 33a. The inner edge of each annular portion 52h is a light-passing hole portion 52i.

[0075] Figure 16 is a plan view of the second electrode 53 in the second embodiment. The second electrode 53 has a second body 53a, a second wiring 53b, and a second terminal 53c. The second body 53a corresponds to the second body 24a in the second electrode 24. The second wiring 53b has the same shape as the second wiring 24b in the second electrode 24. The second terminal 53c has the same shape as the second terminal 24c in the second electrode 24.

[0076] Furthermore, the second body 53a has a second through-hole that penetrates along the stacking direction. The second through-hole is a plurality of light-passing holes 53i formed in the main body plate 53d for allowing light emitted from the LED 33a to pass through. The plurality of light-passing holes 53i overlap in the stacking direction with the plurality of light-passing holes 52i formed in the first body 52a of the first electrode 52.

[0077] Furthermore, each part of the electrode unit 60, corresponding to the first cover 21, base material 23, and second cover 25, also has multiple light-passing holes pre-formed in it that overlap with the multiple light-passing holes 52i and 53i in the stacking direction. However, in this case, the inner edge of each light-passing hole must be insulated or waterproofed.

[0078] Thus, in the drug penetration device 2, first, the second main body 53a has a second penetration portion that penetrates along the stacking direction, and at least a part of the second penetration portion may overlap with the first penetration portion in the stacking direction.

[0079] Here, the first through-hole may correspond to a plurality of light-passing holes 52i in the first electrode 52. The second through-hole may correspond to a plurality of light-passing holes 53i in the second electrode 53.

[0080] This drug penetration device 2 allows for the creation of multiple locations that penetrate the electrode unit 60 in the stacking direction. Therefore, without reducing the penetration performance described in the first embodiment, the light-passing holes 52i and 53i can be used as locations for installing probes that provide cosmetic effects other than drug penetration.

[0081] The drug penetration device 2 may be equipped with a light source that emits light outward, aligned with the position where the first penetration portion and the second penetration portion overlap in the stacking direction.

[0082] Here, the light source corresponds to multiple LEDs 33a.

[0083] In the drug penetration device 2, the electrode unit 60 generates an electric field E that produces an electroporation effect, similar to the electrode unit 20 in the first embodiment. At the same time, the light-emitting unit 33 is supplied with power from the control unit 41 to light up the LED 33a, and irradiates light onto the skin surface during treatment through multiple light-passing holes 52i and 53i. As a result, the drug penetration device 2 can produce an electroporation effect while also providing a skin-beautifying effect from the LED 33a.

[0084] The skin-beautifying effects that can be provided by LED33a vary depending on the wavelength of light, and the following effects can be expected: For example, when the wavelength is set in the range of 400nm to 550nm, effects such as improvement of fine wrinkles, acne, redness, moisturizing, pore improvement, anti-inflammatory effects, sebum reduction, or wound healing can be expected. When the wavelength is set in the range of 550nm to 620nm, effects such as improvement of fine wrinkles, nasolabial folds, accelerated cell turnover, or improvement of age spots can be expected. When the wavelength is set in the range of 620nm to 750nm, effects such as wound healing, immune system activation, wrinkle improvement, age spot improvement, accelerated cell turnover, or collagen production can be expected. Furthermore, when the wavelength is set in the range of 750nm to 2000nm, effects such as wound healing, immune system activation, or accelerated cell turnover can be expected. In addition, by using LED33a with a wavelength spectrum of 550nm to 1000nm, it is possible to obtain the effect of improving skin brightness.

[0085] Thus, the drug penetration device 2 allows for simultaneous treatment of electroporation and light-based cosmetic effects, providing a combination of cosmetic benefits.

[0086] (Note) Based on the above description of embodiments, the following technologies are disclosed.

[0087] (Technical 1) An electrode unit for contact with skin, comprising a first electrode and a second electrode to which a voltage is applied, and an insulating substrate disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, wherein the first electrode, the second electrode and the substrate are each layered and stacked with each other, the first body which is the body of the first electrode and the second body which is the body of the second electrode are each smaller than the substrate body which is the body of the substrate when viewed in the stacking direction, the first body is positioned on the side that contacts the skin more than the second body and has a first penetrating portion that penetrates along the stacking direction.

[0088] According to the electrode unit 20 of Technology 1, since the first body 22a of the first electrode has a first through-hole, the first body 22a has a larger portion that forms an edge structurally. As a result, as described above, the overall electric field generation efficiency of the electrode unit 20 is increased, making it easier to create minute pores in the stratum corneum of the skin surface through electroporation.

[0089] Furthermore, according to the electrode unit 20 of Technology 1, the first electrode 22 and the second electrode 24 are insulated from each other by the substrate 23. As a result, even if the potential difference is set to be larger in order to enhance the electroporation effect, a short circuit failure due to migration will not occur between the first electrode 22 and the second electrode 24.

[0090] Thus, according to Technology 1, it is possible to provide an electrode unit 20 that enhances the electroporation effect while suppressing the occurrence of short-circuit defects due to migration.

[0091] (Technology 2) The electrode unit according to Technology 1, wherein the first body is smaller than the second body when viewed in the stacking direction.

[0092] According to the electrode unit 20 of Technology 2, the entire outer edge of the first body 22a can also function as an edge that more easily generates an electric field E, thereby further enhancing the electroporation effect.

[0093] (Technical 3) The electrode unit according to Technical 1 or Technical 2, wherein the first through portion is a plurality of linear notches arranged parallel to each other.

[0094] According to the electrode unit 20 of Technology 3, as illustrated in Figure 6, the first body 22a of the first electrode 22 can be provided with more edges that are more likely to generate a stronger electric field E.

[0095] (Technical 4) The electrode unit according to any one of Technical 1 to 3, wherein the first through portion is a plurality of holes.

[0096] According to the electrode unit 20 of Technology 4, the inner edges of each of the multiple first holes 50e and the multiple second holes 51e can become edges that are more likely to generate a stronger electric field E. In other words, similar to the multiple notches 22f provided in the first body 22a of the first electrode 22, more edges that are more likely to generate a stronger electric field E can be provided.

[0097] (Technical 5) An electrode unit according to any one of Technical 1 to 4, comprising an insulating cover that covers the first electrode so as to sandwich it between the substrate.

[0098] According to the electrode unit 20 of Technology 5, even when the electrode unit 20 is brought close to the skin, it is insulated by the first cover 21, so even if a stronger electric field E is applied, it is possible to make it less likely for the skin to feel pain.

[0099] (Technology 6) A drug penetration device comprising: an electrode unit having a first electrode and a second electrode that come into contact with the skin and to which a voltage is applied; a third electrode that penetrates a drug in contact with or in close proximity to the skin; and a fourth electrode to which a voltage is applied between the third electrode and the third electrode in contact with or in close proximity to another part of the skin, wherein the electrode unit is the electrode unit described in any one of Technology 1 to Technology 5.

[0100] According to the drug penetration device 1 of Technology 6, since it is equipped with an electrode unit 20, electroporation can be applied using the electrode unit 20 before applying iontophoresis to the skin using the third electrode 31 and the fourth electrode 32. As a result, iontophoresis can be applied to the stratum corneum, which has already been opened with more or larger micropores, thereby further promoting the penetration of drugs through the micropores.

[0101] Thus, according to Technology 6, it is possible to provide a drug penetration device 1 equipped with an electrode unit 20 that enhances the electroporation effect while suppressing the occurrence of short-circuit failures due to migration.

[0102] (Technical 7) The drug penetration apparatus according to Technical 6, wherein a higher voltage than that applied to the second electrode is applied to the first electrode.

[0103] According to the drug penetration device 1 of Technology 7, the generated electric field E acts more easily on the skin, thereby enhancing the electroporation effect of the electrode unit 20 and further increasing the drug penetration effect through iontophoresis using the third electrode 31, etc.

[0104] (Technical 8) The second body has a second penetrating portion that penetrates along the stacking direction, A drug penetration apparatus according to Technology 6 or Technology 7, wherein at least a portion of the second penetration overlaps with the first penetration in the stacking direction.

[0105] According to the drug penetration device 2 of Technology 8, multiple locations can be set that penetrate the electrode unit 60 in the stacking direction. Therefore, without reducing the penetration performance described in the first embodiment, the light-passing holes 52i and 53i can be used as locations for installing probes to provide cosmetic effects other than drug penetration.

[0106] (Technical 9) The drug penetration apparatus according to Technical 8, further comprising a light source that emits light outward in accordance with the position where the first penetration portion and the second penetration portion overlap in the stacking direction.

[0107] In the drug penetration device 2 of Technology 9, the electrode unit 60 generates an electric field E that produces an electroporation effect, similar to the electrode unit 20 in the first embodiment. At the same time, the light-emitting unit 33 is supplied with power from the control unit 41 to light up the LED 33a, and irradiates light onto the skin surface during treatment through multiple light-passing holes 52i and 53i. As a result, the drug penetration device 2 can produce an electroporation effect while also providing a skin-beautifying effect from the LED 33a.

[0108] Thus, the drug penetration device 2 allows for simultaneous treatment of electroporation and light-based cosmetic effects, providing a combination of cosmetic benefits.

[0109] (Technical 10) An electrode unit for contact with skin, comprising a first electrode and a second electrode to which a voltage is applied, and an insulating substrate disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, wherein at least a portion of the edge of the first electrode is enclosed within the second electrode.

[0110] According to Technology 10, since it operates similarly to the electrode unit 20 of Technology 1, it is possible to provide an electrode unit that enhances the electroporation effect while suppressing the occurrence of short-circuit failures due to migration.

[0111] (Technical 11) The electrode unit according to Technical 10, wherein the first electrode is arranged in a manner that encloses the second electrode.

[0112] According to the electrode unit of technology 11, for example, in the first electrode 22, the portion that forms the edge is significantly increased due to the structure, thereby increasing the electric field generation efficiency and, as a result, enhancing the electroporation effect.

[0113] (Technical 12) The electrode unit according to Technical 10 or Technical 11, wherein each of the first electrode and the second electrode is provided with at least one hole where the center points overlap when viewed from the normal direction.

[0114] According to the electrode unit of Technology 12, for example, the overlapping holes in the first electrode 22 and the second electrode 24 can be made into a single portion that penetrates in the normal direction. Such a penetrating portion can be used as a portion for installing a probe or as a portion for passing light, in relation to Technology 8 or Technology 9.

[0115] (Technical 13) The electrode unit is used in a beauty device, as described in any one of Technical 10 to Technical 12.

[0116] According to the electrode unit of technology 13, it can be a component of a beauty device.

[0117] Since the embodiments described above are for illustrative purposes of the technology described herein, various modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc., can be made within the scope of the claims or equivalents thereof. [Industrial applicability]

[0118] This disclosure is applicable not only to household use but also to applications in the medical field, such as drug infiltration devices or drug delivery systems. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0119] 1,2 Drug infiltration device 20,60 electrode units 21 Cover 1 22,50,51,52 1st electrode 22a Main body 22f Notch 23 Base material 23a Base material body 24,53 2nd electrode 24a Second Main Body 31 3rd electrode 32 4th electrode 33a LED 50e 1st hole 51e 2nd hole 52i,53i Light passage hole

Claims

1. An electrode unit comprising a first electrode and a second electrode that come into contact with the skin and to which a voltage is applied, A third electrode that penetrates the drug while in contact with or in close proximity to the skin, The system comprises a fourth electrode to which a voltage is applied between the third electrode and the aforementioned third electrode in contact with or in close proximity to another part of the skin, The electrode unit comprises an insulating substrate placed between the first electrode and the second electrode, The first electrode, the second electrode, and the substrate are each layered and stacked on top of each other. The first body, which is the main body of the first electrode, and the second body, which is the main body of the second electrode, are each smaller than the main body of the substrate, which is the main body of the substrate, when viewed in the stacking direction. A drug penetration device wherein the first body is positioned on the side of the second body that comes into contact with the skin, and has a first penetrating portion that penetrates along the stacking direction.

2. The drug penetration apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first body is smaller than the second body when viewed in the stacking direction.

3. The drug penetration device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first penetration portion is a plurality of linear notches arranged parallel to each other.

4. The drug penetration device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first penetration portion is a plurality of holes.

5. The drug penetration apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising an insulating cover that covers the first electrode so as to sandwich it between the substrate.

6. The drug penetration apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a higher voltage than that applied to the second electrode is applied to the first electrode.

7. The second body has a second through portion that penetrates along the stacking direction, The drug penetration apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least a portion of the second penetration overlaps with the first penetration in the stacking direction.

8. The drug penetration apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising a light source that emits light outward in accordance with the position where the first penetration portion and the second penetration portion overlap in the stacking direction.

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