Portable multifunctional microneedle and fiber production device

Abstract

The invention relates to a production device (1) that ensures the production of fiber or microneedle based on rotating at least one polymer solution via at least one rotating element. The device is characterized by having at least one microneedle mold cavity (20) where the polymer solution is positioned, at least one mold cavity (11) to position the mentioned microneedle mold cavity (20), and at least one microneedle production apparatus (10) structured with at least one microneedle cavity to allow the production of microneedles.

Description

[0001] PORTABLE MULTIFUNCTIONAL MICRONEEDLE AND FIBER PRODUCTION DEVICE

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The invention relates to a portable multifunctional fiber and microneedle production device that can operate without being connected to electricity, is controllable by a touch screen, is suitable for mass production, and can produce both microneedles and fibers.

[0004] PRIOR ART

[0005] In the current state of the art, portable systems are used for fiber production through the electrospinning method, albeit in a limited number. However, there is no system available that can produce both fibers and microneedles within the same device. Additionally, separate systems that can produce both fibers and microneedles in an economically and mass-production-suitable manner do not exist. Producing fibers in mass production via the electrospinning system is a costly method. Furthermore, the existing microneedle production methods are multi-step processes, and mass production of microneedles is not possible.

[0006] As a result, all of the issues mentioned above necessitate an innovation in the relevant technical field.

[0007] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The present invention relates to a production device designed to address the aforementioned disadvantages and introduce new advantages to the relevant technical field.

[0009] One objective of the invention is to provide a multifunctional production device that can simultaneously produce both microneedles and fibers within the same device, which can also be used as drug delivery systems. Another objective of the invention is to provide a portable production device with low weight and capable of operating without being connected to electricity, thus enabling rapid and practical intervention in emergencies (traffic accidents, wartime, emergency services).

[0010] Another objective of the invention is to provide a production device that can be easily controlled by personnel, thanks to its touch screen, and can quickly produce fibers and / or microneedles.

[0011] Another objective of the invention is to provide a production device that enables the production of both water-soluble and non-water-soluble polymer fibers and microneedles.

[0012] Another objective of the invention is to provide a production device where the bottom of the device cover is mounted with a honeycomb perforated sheet that completely surrounds the cover, allowing the produced fibers to collect on this sheet, and enabling easier collection of the fibers by removing and inverting the cover.

[0013] Another objective of the invention is to provide a production device suitable for mass production, enabling faster and more cost-effective high-volume production. This ensures that the significant barrier to the use of drug delivery systems, which is the inability to produce them in bulk, is eliminated.

[0014] The invention relates to a production device that ensures fiber or microneedle production based on rotating at least one polymer solution via at least one rotating element. The device is characterized by having at least one microneedle mold cavity where the polymer solution is placed, at least one microneedle production apparatus structured with at least one microneedle cavity, and configured to produce microneedles.

[0015] Another possible embodiment of the invention includes at least one polymer reservoir to position the polymer solution and at least one fiber production apparatus with at least one solution outlet to allow the polymer solution to exit as fibers.

[0016] Another possible embodiment of the invention includes at least one fiber collector to collect the fibers that exit the solution outlet.

[0017] Another possible embodiment of the invention includes multiple solution outlets in the fiber production apparatus.

[0018] Another possible embodiment of the invention places the solution outlets in the middle section of the fiber production apparatus and arranges them to surround the apparatus.

[0019] Another possible embodiment of the invention includes at least one motor extension to associate the fiber production apparatus with at least one motor.

[0020] Another possible embodiment of the invention includes at least one cover extension to associate the fiber production apparatus with at least one cover.

[0021] Another possible embodiment of the invention includes a modular design for the microneedle production apparatus and the fiber production apparatus, allowing them to be exchanged.

[0022] Another possible embodiment of the invention includes at least one pump to transfer the polymer solution from the polymer reservoir to the fiber production apparatus.

[0023] Another possible embodiment of the invention includes at least one pump to transfer the polymer solution to the microneedle mold cavity.

[0024] Another possible embodiment of the invention includes at least one microneedle cavity positioned inside the microneedle mold cavity. Another possible embodiment of the invention includes at least one microneedle cavity positioned within at least one microneedle mold, which is associated with the microneedle mold cavity.

[0025] Another possible embodiment of the invention includes at least one fixing aperture to secure the microneedle mold cavity or the microneedle mold within the microneedle production apparatus.

[0026] Another possible embodiment of the invention includes microneedle cavities that are conically structured.

[0027] Another possible embodiment of the invention includes microneedle cavities that are conically structured to allow a polymer solution to progress outward, influenced by the centrifugal force created by the rotation of the microneedle production apparatus.

[0028] Another possible embodiment of the invention places the mold cavity on the microneedle production apparatus.

[0029] Another possible embodiment of the invention includes the microneedle production apparatus having at least two outwardly extending wings.

[0030] Another possible embodiment of the invention includes the microneedle production apparatus having eight outwardly extending wings.

[0031] Another possible embodiment of the invention includes the mold cavities being positioned on the wings.

[0032] Another possible embodiment of the invention includes the mold cavities being positioned closer to the tips of the wings, relative to the center.

[0033] Another possible embodiment of the invention includes fixing the apertures to secure the microneedle mold cavity or microneedle mold being positioned at the tips of the wings. Another possible embodiment of the invention includes the fiber collector surrounding the fiber production apparatus.

[0034] Another possible embodiment of the invention includes the fiber collector (41 ) being made from sheet metal.

[0035] Another possible embodiment of the invention includes the fiber collector having a net structure.

[0036] Another possible embodiment of the invention includes the fiber collector having a honeycomb-patterned net structure.

[0037] Another possible embodiment of the invention includes at least one cover designed to close over the fiber or microneedle production area.

[0038] Another possible embodiment of the invention includes the fiber collector being positioned on the cover to collect fibers from the solution outlet.

[0039] Another possible embodiment of the invention includes at least one opening positioned on the cover to apply gas pressure.

[0040] Another possible embodiment of the invention includes at least one motor to rotate the microneedle production apparatus or fiber production apparatus, and at least one control panel to manage the motor's operation.

[0041] Another possible embodiment of the invention includes at least one energy storage unit to power the motor.

[0042] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURE

[0043] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the production device.

[0044] Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the production device. Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the microneedle production apparatus.

[0045] Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the microneedle production apparatus.

[0046] Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the fiber production apparatus.

[0047] Figure 6 shows a scanning electron microscope image of a microneedle produced with the production device.

[0048] Figure 7 shows a scanning electron microscope image of a fiber produced with the production device.

[0049] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0050] In this detailed description, the invention (1 ) is explained with non-limiting examples solely for the better understanding of the subject, and it does not create any restrictive effect.

[0051] The invention relates to a production device (1 ) that ensures the production of fiber or microneedles based on rotating at least one polymer solution via at least one rotating element. The production device (1 ) includes at least one microneedle mold cavity (20) where the polymer solution is positioned, at least one mold cavity (1 1 ) to position the mentioned microneedle mold cavity (20), and at least one microneedle production apparatus (10) that is configured with at least one microneedle cavity to produce microneedles.

[0052] In a possible embodiment of the invention, the production device (1 ) includes at least one polymer reservoir to position the polymer solution and at least one fiber production apparatus (60) with at least one solution outlet (61 ) to allow the polymer solution to exit as fibers. Thus, the rotating element mentioned here is essentially the microneedle production apparatus (10) or fiber production apparatus (60). In a possible embodiment, the production device (1 ) includes at least one fiber collector (41 ) to collect the fibers that exit from the solution outlet (61 ). In a possible embodiment, the fiber production apparatus (60) includes multiple solution outlets (61 ). In a possible embodiment, the solution outlets (61 ) are positioned in the middle section of the fiber production apparatus (60) and arranged to surround the fiber production apparatus (60).

[0053] Referring to Figure 5, in a possible embodiment of the invention, the fiber production apparatus (60) includes at least one motor extension (62) to associate it with at least one motor. In a possible embodiment, the fiber production apparatus (60) includes at least one cover extension (63) to associate it with at least one cover.

[0054] A feature of one possible embodiment of the invention is that the microneedle production apparatus (10) and the fiber production apparatus (60) are structured to be interchangeable. In the preferred embodiment, the microneedle production apparatus (10) and the fiber production apparatus (60) are designed to be attachable and detachable from the production device (1 ).

[0055] In a possible embodiment of the invention, the production device (1 ) includes at least one pump to transfer the polymer solution from the polymer reservoir to the fiber production apparatus (60). In a possible embodiment, the production device (1 ) includes at least one pump to transfer the polymer solution to the microneedle mold cavity (20).

[0056] A feature of one possible embodiment of the invention is that it contains at least one microneedle cavity configured to produce microneedles. In a possible embodiment, the microneedle cavities are positioned inside the microneedle mold cavity (20). In another possible embodiment, the microneedle cavities are positioned inside at least one microneedle mold (30), which is associated with the microneedle mold cavity (20). In this embodiment, the mold cavity (11) is structured to be compatible with the placement of the associated microneedle mold cavity (20) and the microneedle mold (30).

[0057] In a possible embodiment of the invention, the microneedle production apparatus (10) has at least one fixing aperture (13) to secure the microneedle mold cavity (20) or microneedle mold (30). In this way, the corresponding mold (20, 30) can be secured in the mold cavity (11 ) via a screw or connection element.

[0058] In a possible embodiment of the invention, the microneedle cavities are conically structured. In a possible embodiment, the microneedle cavities are structured in a cone shape to ensure the polymer solution advances outward based on centrifugal force created by the rotation of the microneedle production apparatus (10).

[0059] Referring to Figure 4, in a possible embodiment of the invention, the mold cavity (11 ) is positioned on the microneedle production apparatus (10).

[0060] In a possible embodiment of the invention, the microneedle production apparatus (10) has at least two outwardly extending wings (12). In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the microneedle production apparatus (10) has eight outwardly extending wings (12). In a possible embodiment, the mold cavities (11 ) are positioned on the wings (12). In a possible embodiment, the mold cavities (11) are positioned closer to the tips of the wings (12) relative to the center.

[0061] Referring to Figures 3 and 4, in a possible embodiment of the invention, the fixing aperture (13) for securing the microneedle mold cavity (20) or microneedle mold (30) is positioned at the tips of the wings (12).

[0062] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, in a possible embodiment of the invention, the fiber collector (41 ) surrounds the fiber production apparatus (60). In a possible embodiment, the fiber collector (41 ) is made from sheet metal. In a possible embodiment, the fiber collector (41 ) has a net structure. In a possible embodiment, the fiber collector (41 ) has a honeycomb-patterned net structure.

[0063] In a possible embodiment of the invention, the production device (1 ) includes at least one cover (40) designed to close over the fiber or microneedle production area. In a possible embodiment, the fiber collector (41 ) is positioned on the cover (40) to collect fibers from the solution outlet (61 ). In a possible embodiment, the production device (1 ) includes at least one opening (42) positioned on the cover (40) to apply gas pressure.

[0064] In a possible embodiment of the invention, the production device (1 ) includes at least one motor to rotate the microneedle production apparatus (10) or fiber production apparatus (60) and at least one control panel (50) to manage the motor’s operation. In a possible embodiment, the motor’s operation is ensured by at least one energy storage unit. In a possible embodiment, the production device (1 ) is configured to operate without being plugged into power through its internal batteries or can be plugged into power when longer usage is required.

[0065] In a possible embodiment, the production device (1 ) is configured to operate with UV and LED light for sterilization and cross-linking.

[0066] In a possible embodiment of the invention, the production device (1 ) is configured to operate by transferring the polymer solution to the production apparatuses (10, 60) via a pump.

[0067] For fiber production, the polymer solution is first placed into the fiber production apparatus (60), and then it is positioned on the motor using the motor extension (62) located under the fiber production apparatus (60). Afterward, the production device cover (40) is placed onto the cover extension (63) on the fiber production apparatus (60), polymer is added into the fiber production vessel, and the nitrogen gas pipe from the gas cylinder is placed on the cover (40), enabling gas pressure to be applied to the production device (1 ). Finally, fiber production is completed by adjusting the rotation speed and duration via the control panel (50) and starting the motor.

[0068] For microneedle production, the microneedle production solution is first placed into the microneedle mold (30), and then the microneedle mold (30) is closed with a microneedle mold cavity (20) and placed in the mold cavity (11 ) of the microneedle production apparatus (10), or the microneedle mold (30) is placed directly in the mold cavity (11 ) without the microneedle mold cavity (20). The cover (40) is placed over the production area, and then microneedle production is completed by adjusting the rotation speed and duration via the control panel (50) and starting the motor.

[0069] The protection scope of the invention is defined in the claims attached hereto and should not be limited to the examples provided in this detailed description. It is clear that a person skilled in the art could create similar structures based on the main theme of the invention without deviating from the description above.

[0070] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE REFERENCES

[0071] 1 Production device

[0072] 10 Microneedle production apparatus 11 Mold cavity

[0073] 12 Wing

[0074] 13 Fixing aperture

[0075] 20 Microneedle mold cavity

[0076] 30 Microneedle mold 40 Cover

[0077] 41 Fiber collector

[0078] 42 Opening

[0079] 50 Control panel

[0080] 60 Fiber production apparatus 61 Solution outlet

[0081] 62 Motor extension

[0082] 63 Cover extension

Claims

CLAIMS1. A production device (1) for obtaining fibers or microneedles based on the rotation of at least one polymer solution by means of at least one rotating element, characterized in that it comprises at least one mold slot (11 ) configured to position at least one microneedle mold container (20) in which the polymer solution is placed, and at least one microneedle production apparatus (10) having at least one microneedle cavity configured to be associated with the said microneedle mold container (20) and to enable the formation of microneedles therein.

2. The production device (1 ) according to claim 1 , characterized in that it includes at least one polymer reservoir to position the polymer solution and at least one fiber production apparatus (60) with at least one solution outlet (61 ) to ensure the polymer solution exits as fibers.

3. The production device (1 ) according to claim 2, characterized in that it includes at least one fiber collector (41 ) to collect the fiber exiting from the solution outlet (61 ).

4. The production device (1 ) according to claim 2, characterized in that the fiber production apparatus (60) includes multiple solution outlets (61 ).

5. The production device (1 ) according to claim 4, characterized in that the solution outlets (61 ) are positioned in the middle section of the fiber production apparatus (60) and arranged to surround the fiber production apparatus (60).

6. The production device (1 ) according to claim 2, characterized in that the fiber production apparatus (60) includes at least one motor extension (62) to associate it with at least one motor.

7. The production device (1 ) according to claim 2, characterized in that the fiber production apparatus (60) includes at least one cover extension (63) to associate it with at least one cover.

8. The production device (1 ) according to claim 2, characterized in that the microneedle production apparatus (10) and the fiber production apparatus (60) are structured to be interchangeable.

9. The production device (1 ) according to claim 2, characterized in that it includes at least one pump to transfer the polymer solution from the polymer reservoir to the fiber production apparatus (60).

10. The production device (1 ) according to claim 1 , characterized in that it includes at least one pump to transfer the polymer solution to the microneedle mold cavity (20).

11. The production device (1 ) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the microneedle cavities are positioned inside the microneedle mold cavity (20).

12. The production device (1 ) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the microneedle cavities are positioned inside at least one microneedle mold (30), which is associated with the microneedle mold cavity (20).

13. The production device (1 ) according to claim 1 or 12, characterized in that the microneedle production apparatus (10) includes at least one fixing aperture (13) to secure the microneedle mold cavity (20) or microneedle mold (30).

14. The production device (1 ) according to claim 12, characterized in that the mold cavity (11 ) is structured to be compatible with the placement of the associated microneedle mold cavity (20) and microneedle mold (30).

15. The production device (1 ) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the microneedle cavities are conically structured.

16. The production device (1 ) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the microneedle cavities are conically structured to allow the polymer solution toprogress outward based on centrifugal force created by the rotation of the microneedle production apparatus (10).

17. The production device (1 ) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the mold cavity (1 1 ) is positioned on the microneedle production apparatus (10).

18. The production device (1 ) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the microneedle production apparatus (10) has at least two outwardly extending wings (12).

19. The production device (1 ) according to claim 18, characterized in that the microneedle production apparatus (10) has eight outwardly extending wings (12).

20. The production device (1 ) according to claim 18, characterized in that the mold cavities (1 1 ) are positioned on the wings (12).

21. The production device (1 ) according to claim 18, characterized in that the mold cavities (1 1 ) are positioned closer to the tips of the wings (12) relative to the center.

22. The production device (1 ) according to claim 18, characterized in that the fixing aperture (13) for securing the microneedle mold cavity (20) or microneedle mold (30) is positioned at the tips of the wings (12).

23. The production device (1 ) according to claim 3, characterized in that the fiber collector (41 ) surrounds the fiber production apparatus (60).

24. The production device (1 ) according to claim 3, characterized in that the fiber collector (41 ) is made from sheet metal.

25. The production device (1 ) according to claim 3, characterized in that the fiber collector (41 ) has a net structure.

26. The production device (1 ) according to claim 3, characterized in that the fiber collector (41 ) has a honeycomb-patterned net structure.

27. The production device (1 ) according to claim 1 , characterized in that it includes at least one cover (40) designed to close over the fiber or microneedle production area.

28. The production device (1 ) according to claim 27, characterized in that the fiber collector (41 ) is positioned on the cover (40) to collect fibers from the solution outlet (61 ).

29. The production device (1 ) according to claim 27, characterized in that the cover (40) includes at least one opening (42) positioned on its upper part to apply gas pressure.

30. The production device (1 ) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it includes at least one motor to rotate the microneedle production apparatus (10) or fiber production apparatus (60), and at least one control panel (50) to manage the motor's operation.31 .The production device (1 ) according to claim 30, characterized in that it includes at least one energy storage unit to ensure the motor's operation.

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