Hydrogel Microneedle Patch Using Acrylic Resin Framework

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for preparing hydrogel microneedles are time-consuming and not suitable for industrial production due to the need for complex cross-linking processes, which also pose challenges for drug stability and batch production.

Innovation Solution

A hydrogel microneedle patch based on a three-dimensional framework structure using an aqueous dispersion of acrylic resin to enclose a polyvinyl alcohol gel, which provides mechanical strength and excellent swelling and piercing properties, and can be prepared through a simpler process of natural drying and needle forming.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If repeated freezing and thawing process is used to cross-link polyvinyl alcohol, then effective delivery of biomacromolecule drugs is achieved, but the preparation process becomes time-consuming and cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrug delivery effectivenessVSAvoidpreparation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the cross-linking parameters from temperature-based (freezing-thawing cycles) to pH-based (using lactic acid to adjust pH to 3.0-4.0). This parameter change enables cross-linking to occur under mild, simple conditions without requiring repeated freezing and thawing, thus reducing preparation time while maintaining drug delivery effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical cross-linking process (freezing-thawing cycles that physically form hydrogen bonds) with a chemical cross-linking approach (pH-induced cross-linking using lactic acid). This substitution eliminates the need for complex thermal cycling while achieving the same cross-linking effect, thereby simplifying the preparation process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of manufacture

If high temperature cross-linking process is used to prepare hydrogel microneedles, then microneedle formation is achieved, but drug stability is destroyed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemicroneedle formationVSAvoiddrug stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the cross-linking temperature parameter from high temperature (80°C for 24 hours or microwave for 8 hours) to low temperature (room temperature or mild heating). The pH-induced cross-linking using lactic acid occurs under these mild conditions, enabling microneedle formation without compromising drug stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces thermal energy-based cross-linking (high temperature or microwave) with pH-based chemical cross-linking. This substitution allows microneedle formation under mild conditions that preserve drug stability while still achieving effective cross-linking of the polyvinyl alcohol matrix

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Strength

If aqueous dispersion of acrylic resin is used to enclose polyvinyl alcohol gel, then mechanical strength is provided, but the structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical strengthVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a composite hydrogel system combining polyvinyl alcohol (providing swelling and piercing properties) with aqueous dispersion of acrylic resin (providing mechanical strength). This composite structure achieves the desired mechanical properties while maintaining the beneficial characteristics of both materials through a relatively simple integration process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The proposed solution enables the production of hydrogel microneedles with improved mechanical strength, swelling properties, and piercing capabilities, while simplifying the preparation process and enhancing drug delivery efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

the hydrogel microneedle patch utilizes the three-dimensional framework structure of aqueous dispersion of acrylic resin to enclose a gel formed by polyvinyl alcohol

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThree-dimensional framework structure:

Implementation Method 2

a hydrogel microneedle refers to a microneedle technology, which can achieve needle expansion in a body fluid environment by absorbing interstitial skin fluid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 3

the hydrogel microneedle can replace a solid silicon microneedle and can break the skin stratum corneum barrier

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS12311137B2Hydrogel microneedle patch based on three-dimensional framework structure, and preparation method and application thereof

Publication Date: 2025.05.27 BEIJING CAS MICRONEEDLE TECH LTD

AI summary

A hydrogel microneedle patch based on a three-dimensional framework structure is provided and includes a hydrogel microneedle. A raw material of the hydrogel microneedle includes polyvinyl alcohol and aqueous dispersion of acrylic resin. the hydrogel microneedle is obtained by uniformly mixing and molding of the aqueous dispersion of acrylic resin and the polyvinyl alcohol. The hydrogel microneedle patch has good strength, excellent swelling property and puncture property. In addition, a preparation method and an application of the hydrogel microneedle patch are also provided.