Cryo Microneedle Device for Transdermal Bioactive Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microneedle devices face limitations in drug loading, mechanical stability, and the ability to deliver fragile active agents such as cells and proteins, with complex fabrication processes and potential breakage issues, making them unsuitable for transdermal delivery of bioactive therapeutic agents in cancer immunotherapy.
Innovation Solution
A cryo formulation-based microneedle device made from an aqueous solution with bioactive therapeutic agents, fabricated by freezing to form a solid state, allowing for controlled penetration and release of agents into the skin, with optimized bioactivity and mechanical properties for effective delivery of cells and proteins.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional microneedle devices are used for transdermal delivery, then mechanical stability and structural integrity are improved, but the ability to deliver fragile bioactive agents such as cells and proteins deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical state parameter of the microneedle material from solid (conventional) to ice/cryo state. This parameter change allows the microneedles to be soft and flexible during application, preventing breakage of fragile bioactive agents, while maintaining sufficient mechanical stability for skin penetration through controlled freezing
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite materials by combining ice/cryo matrix with cryoprotectants and bioactive therapeutic agents. The cryoprotectants form a protective composite structure that maintains both mechanical integrity of the microneedle and viability of embedded cells and proteins during freezing and storage
2Quantity of substance
If conventional microneedle devices are used, then drug loading capacity is improved, but the complexity of fabrication process and potential breakage issues increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies preliminary action by pre-freezing the microneedle array with embedded bioactive agents in a cryo formulation before application. This preliminary freezing step simplifies the overall process by eliminating the need for complex post-fabrication drug loading procedures and ensures stable drug loading capacity from the outset
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces complex mechanical fabrication processes with a simpler freezing-based approach. Instead of using complex molding and assembly processes for conventional microneedles, the invention uses freezing of a cryo formulation to simultaneously create the microneedle structure and embed the therapeutic agents, reducing fabrication complexity
3Reliability
If intradermal injection is used for delivering bioactive agents, then delivery effectiveness is improved, but patient comfort and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the needle insertion step from traditional intradermal injection by using dissolving microneedles that penetrate skin passively or with minimal force, then dissolve after delivery. This removes the need for forceful injection while maintaining effective intradermal delivery of bioactive agents
Solution Approach 2:
The microneedles are designed as disposable, short-lived devices that dissolve after use. This eliminates the need for complex injection mechanisms and makes the device easier to operate, while ensuring single-use sterility and effectiveness for delivering bioactive agents
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 cryo formulation-based microneedle device enables targeted and minimally invasive delivery of bioactive agents, maintaining viability and bioactivity, and simplifies the application process by integrating cells directly into the device, enhancing antitumor immunity through antigen-presenting cells and immune checkpoint inhibitors.
Implementation Method 1
fabricated by freezing to form a solid state
Implementation Method 2
the miniaturized needles is further arranged to melt so as to release one or more bioactive therapeutic agents into the skin
Data Source
AI summary
A cryo formulation-based microneedle device for transdermal delivery of bioactive therapeutic agents. The microneedle device includes: one or more microneedle patches each including an array of miniaturized needles, wherein each miniaturized needle defining a base end and a tip; and a substrate to which the base end of the array of miniaturized needles is attached or integrated thereto; wherein the microneedle patch is in a cryo status; wherein each of the one or more microneedle patch is adapted to be applied on a skin surface, in which the miniaturized needles penetrates into skin; and wherein the miniaturized needles is further arranged to melt so as to release one or more bioactive therapeutic agents into the skin to achieve a targeted therapeutic effect.