Arcuate Impact Microneedle Applicator for Transdermal Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Only a limited number of molecules can be effectively transported through the skin via passive transdermal drug delivery due to the barrier posed by the stratum corneum, making it difficult to deliver therapeutic agents and large molecules.
Innovation Solution
A microneedle array applicator device with a housing and an impactor that accelerates a microneedle array along an arcuate path to pierce the stratum corneum, facilitating the delivery of therapeutic agents and large molecules by moving the microneedle array toward a target site on the skin.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If passive transdermal delivery is used, then the delivery system is simple, but the ability to transport molecules through the skin is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery system is segmented into multiple functional components: a microneedle array with individual needles, a patch substrate, and an applicator device with impactor mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while collectively overcoming the stratum corneum barrier effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The applicator device employs a dynamic impactor mechanism that accelerates the microneedle array along an arcuate path to deliver needles through the skin barrier. This dynamic approach transforms a static patch into an active delivery system capable of overcoming biological resistance.
2Quantity of substance
If the stratum corneum barrier is intact, then the skin provides protection, but therapeutic agents cannot penetrate effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The microneedle array is pre-loaded onto the patch substrate in a ready-to-deploy configuration. The applicator device is pre-positioned with the impactor mechanism loaded, allowing for rapid deployment without requiring complex real-time assembly or complex real-time adjustments during the penetration process.
Solution Approach 2:
The microneedle array serves as an intermediary mechanism between the therapeutic agent reservoir and the target tissue. Rather than attempting to force bulk delivery through the intact barrier, the system uses microneedles as intermediate structures to create controlled penetration pathways.
3Productivity
If a reusable applicator device is used, then device cost is reduced, but the application mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patch and microneedle array are designed as disposable components that are inexpensive to manufacture and can be easily replaced. This allows the expensive, complex applicator device to be reused multiple times while maintaining safety and performance standards.
Solution Approach 2:
The applicator device with its impactor mechanism is designed to accommodate different microneedle array configurations and patch types. This universal design allows a single complex device to perform multiple functions across different application scenarios, justifying its reusability.
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
Enables the efficient delivery of large molecules, such as proteins and vaccines, by piercing the stratum corneum, overcoming the limitations of passive transdermal delivery and enhancing the delivery of both large and small molecules that are difficult to deliver otherwise.
Implementation Method 1
The impactor is capable of impacting a microneedle array and accelerating the microneedle array toward the target site
Implementation Method 2
The torsion spring is capable of biasing the impactor relative to the housing
Implementation Method 3
The impactor comprises a magnet suitable for releasably retaining a magnetic microneedle patch
Data Source
AI summary
An applicator device (20) including a housing (22), an impactor (62) for impacting a microneedle array and accelerating the microneedle array toward the target site, wherein the impactor is capable of moving along an arcuate path to move the microneedle array toward the target site. Also, an applicator device including a housing, a patch applicator pivotally supported by the housing, and a torsion spring. The patch applicator has a retaining portion (40) and a patch contacting portion (70), and the patch contacting portion is capable of moving along a substantially arcuate path between a first position and a second position. The torsion spring is capable of biasing the patch applicator relative to the housing.