Microneedle Array for Precise Dermal Augmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for skin augmentation, such as injecting dermal fillers, are painful, inefficient, and require professional administration, and cannot effectively address fine wrinkles or lines, often resulting in uneven results and waste of material.
Innovation Solution
A microneedle device with an array of microneedles and a biocompatible skin augmentation composition that includes a dispersant, allowing for easy application and precise delivery of the composition into the dermis or hypodermis layer, eliminating the need for painful injections and reducing material waste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional injection methods are used for skin augmentation, then dermal fillers can be delivered to the skin, but the procedure is painful and requires professional administration
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the delivery system into multiple microneedles arranged in an array, where each microneedle independently delivers the composition through the epidermis to the dermis. This segmentation allows distributed, pain-free penetration compared to a single large injection, while maintaining effective material delivery to the target layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The microneedles serve as an intermediary device that bridges the gap between the skin surface and the dermal layer. They provide a controlled, minimally invasive pathway for the composition to reach the target tissue without requiring painful traditional injections or professional administration, enabling self-application.
2Productivity
If traditional injection methods are used, then dermal fillers can be administered, but material waste occurs and results are uneven
Solution Approach 1:
The microneedle array delivers the composition locally and precisely to the dermis layer at the site of wrinkles or skin defects. Each microneedle targets a specific location, ensuring the material is deposited exactly where needed rather than being wasted through broad or incorrect injection zones, thereby improving delivery efficiency and reducing material loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical syringe injection system with a passive microneedle array that utilizes the natural penetration capability of the needles through the epidermis. This substitution eliminates the need for high-pressure injection mechanisms that cause material loss, allowing gravity and capillary action to facilitate controlled delivery to the dermis layer.
3Manufacturing precision
If traditional injection methods are used, then skin augmentation can be achieved, but fine wrinkles and lines cannot be effectively addressed
Solution Approach 1:
The microneedle array operates in a distributed two-dimensional pattern across the skin surface, with each needle penetrating to a controlled depth into the dermis. This dimensional approach allows precise targeting of fine wrinkles and lines throughout the treatment area, providing superior delivery precision compared to traditional single-point injections that cannot effectively address multiple fine defects simultaneously.
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 device provides efficient, pain-free, and targeted delivery of skin augmentation materials, achieving a smooth, natural look without the need for professional administration and minimizing side effects like lumps and inflammation.
Implementation Method 1
The microneedle is inserted into the skin and penetrates through the epidermis to deliver the composition into the dermis or hypodermis layer
Implementation Method 2
The composition includes a dispersant that distributes the skin augmenting material within the dermis or hypodermis layer upon contact
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides microneedles for administration of biocompatible materials effective in augmentation of skin or other skin treatments, and applicators comprising such microneedles. In particular, the microneedles and applicators of the present invention are aimed at filling the undesired lines, wrinkles, depressed scars and folds of a subject's facial and neck skin and restoring youthful fullness to the skin.