Multi-layer Microneedle Patch with Curvature for Targeted Drug Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional drug injection methods, such as needle-syringe injections, cause pain and are inefficient in delivering drugs due to high consumption of the drug with minimal delivery, while existing microneedle technologies face challenges in precise and targeted delivery of physiologically active substances.
Innovation Solution
A microneedle patch with a multi-layer structure and curvature design, allowing for accurate delivery of effective ingredients to specific skin layers (epidermis, dermis, or muscle) by varying biodegradation rates and increased surface area for enhanced drug delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional needle-syringe injection is used, then drug delivery can be achieved, but it causes great pain and high drug consumption with minimal delivery
Solution Approach 1:
The microneedle is divided into multiple layers (first layer, second layer, third layer) with different functions. The first layer provides structural support and penetration, the second layer contains the drug reservoir, and the third layer controls drug release. This segmentation allows painless skin penetration while enabling controlled drug delivery to reduce waste and improve efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the microneedle have different properties: the tip region is sharp for penetration, the middle region contains the drug, and the base region provides structural support. The curvature radius varies along the length, with smaller radius at the tip for easier penetration and larger radius at the base for structural integrity. This local differentiation optimizes both painless delivery and drug efficiency.
2Strength
If microneedles are made with certain physical hardness to penetrate stratum corneum, then skin penetration is achieved, but it may reduce flexibility and control
Solution Approach 1:
The microneedle is segmented into multiple layers with different mechanical properties. The first layer has higher hardness for penetration, while subsequent layers have progressively lower hardness to provide flexibility. This gradient structure allows the microneedle to be hard enough to penetrate the stratum corneum while maintaining overall flexibility for controlled insertion and adaptation to skin contours.
Solution Approach 2:
The microneedle structure transitions from a static, uniform design to a dynamic, multi-layered structure that can adapt during insertion. The layered construction with varying curvature radii allows the microneedle to flex and conform to the skin surface while maintaining penetration capability, providing both strength and adaptability.
3Measurement precision
If microneedles are designed to deliver precise amounts of drug to target positions, then delivery precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The microneedle is divided into functional layers: a first layer for structural support and penetration, a second layer containing the drug reservoir, and a third layer for controlled release. This segmentation enables precise drug delivery to specific skin depths while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure that can be manufactured using conventional techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The microneedle incorporates curvature with varying radius along its length, with smaller curvature radius at the tip for penetration and larger radius at the base for structural support. This curved geometry helps guide the microneedle to the target position and maintains structural integrity without requiring complex mechanical components, thus achieving precision delivery with moderate complexity.
4Manufacturing precision
If multi-layer structure is used for targeted delivery to different skin layers, then delivery accuracy is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The microneedle is constructed with multiple layers that can be manufactured separately and then assembled. Each layer has a specific function: the first layer for penetration, the second layer for drug storage, and the third layer for controlled release. This modular approach enables precise targeting of different skin layers (epidermis, dermis, subcutaneous tissue) while allowing each component to be optimized and manufactured independently, reducing overall manufacturing complexity.
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 microneedle patch effectively delivers a preset amount of drug to target positions with controlled release profiles, improving the precision and effectiveness of drug delivery by utilizing a multi-layer structure with different biodegradation rates and increased surface area for enhanced skin penetration and absorption.
Implementation Method 1
the biodegradation rates of the layers may be different from each other. The effective ingredients of the layers of the microneedle may be activated at different points of time according to the decomposition rates of the layers.
Data Source
AI summary
This application relates to a microneedle (or micro-needle) patch. In one aspect, the microneedle patch includes a base and a microneedle. The microneedle may protrude from a surface of the base, and includes a plurality of layers. The microneedle may also have curvatures in a region where the layers are in contact with each other.