Microneedle Array With Integrated Wound Healing Agents

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing microneedle applicator systems for intradermal delivery of active ingredients, such as medicinal drugs, often impair wound healing due to the close proximity of micropores and cuts, leading to delayed healing, bacterial invasion, and potential infections.

Innovation Solution

An applicator system comprising a microneedle array with at least one second active ingredient for wound healing, such as Aloe vera, olive oil, or dexpanthenol, integrated into the microneedles or carrier, which promotes wound healing and minimizes skin irritation during and after delivery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If micropores or cuts are generated in the stratum corneum for intradermal delivery, then active ingredients can be delivered into the skin, but wound healing is delayed and bacteria can penetrate into the skin

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedelivery effectivenessVSAvoidbacterial penetration and delayed wound healing
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The microneedles are pre-loaded with wound healing active ingredients (such as Aloe vera, olive oil, dexpanthehol, or other substances from the specified group) before application. When the microneedles penetrate the skin, they simultaneously deliver both the therapeutic active ingredient and the wound healing substance, ensuring that wound healing promotion occurs at the moment of skin penetration rather than as a subsequent separate action.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention combines two functions into a single microneedle system: (1) delivery of the therapeutic active ingredient into the skin, and (2) promotion of wound healing at the penetration site. The microneedles integrate both the therapeutic substance and the wound healing active ingredient, allowing simultaneous administration of both functions through a single application device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Productivity

If applicator systems apply microneedle arrays onto the skin under pressure, then intradermal delivery is achieved, but additional irritation and microlesions occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedelivery efficiencyVSAvoidskin irritation and microlesions
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The microneedles are pre-coated or pre-filled with wound healing active ingredients before application. This preliminary preparation ensures that as soon as the microneedles create microlesions during pressure application, the wound healing substances are immediately deposited at the penetration sites, counteracting the irritating effects before they can cause significant damage or discomfort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention converts the harmful effect of skin penetration and microlesion creation into a beneficial opportunity. The act of creating microlesions for drug delivery is simultaneously used as a vehicle to deliver wound healing active ingredients directly to the site of potential damage, transforming the harmful penetration process into a dual-purpose action that both delivers therapy and promotes healing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Data Source

PatentUS12214149B2Applicator system containing a microneedle array which comprises an active ingredient for wound healing
Publication Date: 2025.02.04 LTS LOHMANN THERAPIE SYST AG

AI summary

The invention relates to an applicator system comprising a microneedle array and to the use thereof for the intradermal delivery of active ingredients, and in particular of medicinal drugs, wherein this microneedle array is suitable for penetrating the skin of humans or animals and includes at least one active ingredient for wound healing.