Core-Shell Microneedle Patches for Long-Term Sustained Drug Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional microneedle patches are unsuitable for long-term, sustained release of drugs, and existing contraceptives require expert administration or have high failure rates due to poor patient compliance and access issues.
Innovation Solution
Development of microneedles with a core-shell structure, where the core contains a drug encapsulated within a biodegradable shell and cap, allowing for extended release via diffusion through both or either the shell and cap portions, and a method of manufacturing these microneedles using a single mold for scalable production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If conventional microneedle patches use water-soluble microneedles or coatings for drug delivery, then the microneedles can be easily manufactured and applied, but they only deliver a single bolus of drug and cannot provide long-term sustained release
Solution Approach 1:
The microneedle is divided into functionally distinct segments: a water-soluble microneedle body for easy penetration and dissolution, and a water-insoluble microparticle core for sustained drug release. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining overall system simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The water-insoluble microparticle containing the drug reservoir is nested within the water-soluble microneedle matrix. This nested structure enables the microneedle to dissolve and release the embedded microparticles, which then continue drug release independently, achieving extended duration without complex external structures
2Ease of operation
If long-acting contraceptives are provided as injections, implants, or IUDs, then efficacy and patient compliance are improved, but expert administration and removal by healthcare providers are required, making them harder to access
Solution Approach 1:
The microneedle patch is designed for self-application by the patient. The water-soluble microneedles automatically dissolve upon contact with skin moisture, releasing the embedded drug-containing microparticles without requiring injection or professional administration, yet maintain long-acting efficacy
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state and solubility parameters of the drug delivery system by using water-insoluble microparticles within a water-soluble matrix, enabling the system to transition from requiring professional administration to self-administration while maintaining reliable, long-term drug release
3Reliability
If daily oral pills are used for contraception, then they are easy to access and self-administer, but efficacy is reduced due to improper use and poor patient compliance
Solution Approach 1:
The microneedle patch provides continuous drug release over an extended period (weeks to months) through the gradual dissolution and diffusion of drug from the water-insoluble microparticles, eliminating the need for daily dosing and ensuring continuous contraceptive protection without compliance issues
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 self-administered, long-term, sustained drug release for up to a year, with controlled release profiles, suitable for contraceptives and other drugs, improving patient compliance and accessibility.
Implementation Method 1
the shell portion and/or the cap portion is biodegradable and delays release of the drug for an extended period
Implementation Method 2
the microneedles are configured to release the drug via diffusion through the shell portion only, through the cap portion only, or through both the shell portion and the cap portion
Data Source
AI summary
Microneedle patches that include a backing layer, and an array of microneedles extending from the backing layer. wherein the microneedles each include a core portion which includes a drug, and a shell portion and a cap portion, wherein the core portion is encapsulated within the shell portion and cap portion. The microneedles are configured to be inserted into mammalian tissue and then separate from the backing layer. The shell portion and/or the cap portion is biodegradable and delays release of the drug for an extended period.