Microcell Transdermal Patch for On-Demand Multi-Drug Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current transdermal patches face challenges in delivering multiple active components simultaneously and effectively over time, as components often interact and degrade, limiting their efficacy, especially for medications that require combined administration.
Innovation Solution
A transdermal active molecule delivery system featuring microcells with a porous diffusion layer and hollow microneedles, filled with biocompatible liquids and adjuvants, allowing for on-demand release of pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and other active molecules through a microneedle array that traverses the skin.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple active components are suspended in a single transdermal patch, then the ability to deliver multiple medications simultaneously is improved, but the stability and efficacy of the components deteriorate due to interactions and degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The transdermal patch is divided into multiple separate microcells, each containing a single active component. This segmentation prevents interactions between different medications while enabling simultaneous delivery of multiple drugs through individual microneedles associated with each microcell.
2Duration of action of moving object
If the transdermal patch is designed for continuous delivery, then extended period delivery is achieved, but on-demand delivery capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The microneedles are designed to be movable relative to the microcells, allowing the system to transition between a sealed state (for stable storage and extended duration) and an activated state (for on-demand delivery). The microneedles can be inserted into or retracted from the microcells as needed.
3Length of moving object
If microneedles are made longer to traverse through microcells and skin, then delivery depth is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The microneedles are nested within or adjacent to the microcells in a compact arrangement. Each microneedle is associated with its corresponding microcell, allowing the system to achieve sufficient length for skin penetration while maintaining a compact, manufacturable structure through repetitive modular units.
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 simultaneous, efficient, and controlled delivery of multiple active molecules, enhancing the stability and efficacy of transdermal drug delivery systems while allowing for on-demand activation, suitable for pharmaceuticals, agricultural nutrients, and emergency applications.
Implementation Method 1
Each microcell includes an opening that is spanned by a porous diffusion layer
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C~2D
AI summary
An active molecule delivery system whereby active molecules can be released on demand and/or a variety of different active molecules can be delivered from the same system and/or different concentrations of active molecules can be delivered from the same system. The active delivery system includes a plurality of microcells, wherein the microcells are filled with a medium including active molecules. The microcells include an opening, and the opening is spanned by a porous diffusion layer. The microcell arrays may be loaded with different active ingredients, thereby providing a mechanism to deliver different, or complimentary, active ingredients on demand.