Microneedle Device Density Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional microneedle devices can cause skin irritation, including pigmentation, due to their high microneedle density, which is not effectively addressed by existing technologies.
Innovation Solution
A microneedle device with a substrate, microneedles of 300 to 500 μm length, and a coating layer containing a biologically active substance, where the microneedles are disposed at a density of 28 to 80 needles/cm², reducing skin irritation by minimizing the primary irritation index as per the Draize method.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If microneedles are disposed at high density (156 to 640 needles/cm²), then the administration efficiency of biologically active substance is improved, but skin irritation such as pigmentation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the microneedle density to a specific range (28 to 80 needles/cm²) and microneedle length (300 to 500 μm). This parameter optimization resolves the contradiction by finding the optimal balance point where sufficient administration efficiency is maintained while skin irritation is significantly reduced compared to conventional high-density designs.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If microneedle density is reduced to minimize skin irritation, then the amount of biologically active substance administered decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction through parameter changes by simultaneously optimizing multiple parameters: microneedle density (28 to 80 needles/cm²), microneedle length (300 to 500 μm), and coating layer thickness. This multi-parameter optimization ensures that even at lower densities, the total amount of biologically active substance administered remains sufficient while skin irritation is minimized.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dimensionality change by extending the microneedle length to 300 to 500 μm, compensating for the reduced number of needles. The increased length per needle provides greater surface area for coating and deeper penetration capability, thereby maintaining the total quantity of administered substance despite the reduced needle density.
Data Source
AI summary
A microneedle device of the present invention comprises a substrate, microneedles disposed on the substrate, and a coating layer formed on the microneedles, wherein a length of the microneedles is 300 to 500 μm, the microneedles are disposed on the substrate at a density of 28 to 80 needles/cm2, and the coating layer comprises a biologically active substance. The microneedle device allows the skin irritation caused by administration of an agent to be reduced.