Electrode with Dissolving Microneedles for Gene Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current gene delivery systems face challenges in efficiently and painlessly delivering genes across the skin's outer layer, stratum corneum, due to limitations in transdermal delivery methods and the need for integrated systems that combine microneedles and electroporation for effective intracellular gene introduction.
Innovation Solution
An electro-microneedle integrated body is developed, featuring a biodegradable microneedle made of a biocompatible viscous material and an electrode for electroporation, allowing for in-situ gene delivery with an electric field pulse, enhancing gene release efficiency and reducing pain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a disposal injection is used for transdermal delivery, then the device can be simple and inexpensive, but it causes intracutaneous stimulus and pain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable microneedles that are extremely thin (5-50 μm) and dissolve after use. These microneedles are cheaper and simpler than reusable electrodes, cause minimal pain due to their tiny size, and are discarded after a single use, resolving the contradiction between device simplicity and pain reduction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the delivery device by using microneedles with diameters of 5-50 μm instead of conventional injection needles. This parameter change reduces the mechanical trauma to skin cells, minimizing pain while maintaining delivery effectiveness
2Device complexity
If a coated microneedle is used for gene delivery, then the device structure is simple, but the amount of intracutaneous gene release is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the microneedle structure with an electroporation electrode into a single integrated device. This combination allows the microneedle to deliver genes while the electrode simultaneously applies electric pulses to enhance cellular uptake, dramatically increasing the total amount of gene release without complicating the overall device structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous gene release through the dissolving microneedle combined with sustained electroporation pulses. The microneedle gradually dissolves in the skin, continuously releasing genes while the electrode maintains electroporation to ensure continuous intracellular uptake, rather than a single limited release event
3Reliability
If a gene gun is used for intracellular gene delivery, then the electroporation function is provided, but accurate transdermal delivery in the treatment site is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the delivery system into multiple microneedles (5-50 μm diameter) arranged in an array, each precisely positioned to penetrate the stratum corneum at specific locations. This segmentation enables accurate targeting of the treatment site while maintaining the electroporation function through the integrated electrode
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the dissolving microneedle as an intermediary that bridges the gap between the electrode and the skin. The microneedle physically penetrates the stratum corneum barrier and positions the gene-containing solution directly at the treatment site, while the electrode provides the electroporation function, achieving both accurate delivery and reliable gene uptake
4Quantity of substance
If a dissolving microneedle is used for gene loading, then the amount of intracutaneous gene release increases, but the integration with electroporation electrode is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the dissolving microneedle and electroporation electrode into a single monolithic structure where the microneedle array is integrated with the electrode body. This merging allows high gene loading capacity through the dissolving microneedle while the integrated electrode provides simultaneous electroporation, achieving both high gene release and functional integration without excessive 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 integrated system enables intensive and efficient intracellular gene delivery at the treatment site, improving the delivery efficiency and reducing pain by using a dissolving microneedle and electroporation electrode in a single structure.
Implementation Method 1
each microneedle including a biocompatible and biodegradable viscous material and a genetic material, wherein the microneedle can degrade within the skin
Implementation Method 2
an electroporation method in which intracellular transfection of a gene is conducted with a temporal increase of penetration ratio in cell membrane in vivo by an electric field pulse
Data Source
Figure 1~2(B)
Figure 3(A)~3(B)
Figure 4
AI summary
Provided is an electro-microneedle integrated body in which a dissolving microneedle and an electrode for electroporation are integrated into one, which enables a focused and efficient intracutaneous gene release for percutaneous gene delivery and intracellular gene delivery occurring in one in-situ treatment site The electro-microneedle integrated body according to the present invention includes an electrode for electroporation which is contacted with skin of a human body to apply an electric field pulse, including a base part and a plurality of electrode parts protruding from the base part, and a microneedle adhered to each electrode part and inserted into the skin of a human body, including a biocompatible and biodegradable viscous material and a genetic material, wherein the microneedle degrades within the skin, and the electric field pulse is applied through the electrode for electroporation in a site in which the microneedle is inserted.