Microneedle Electrode Patch Using Hydrogel Swelling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microneedle patch devices for transdermal electrochemical measurements face challenges such as complex manufacturing processes, risk of delamination, and toxicity due to non-biocompatible electrode materials, as well as difficulties in integrating multiple electrodes without short-circuiting.
Innovation Solution
A device featuring a biocompatible crosslinked hydrogel support and microneedles that swell upon contact with aqueous fluid, allowing electrodes to be integrated within the hydrogel without direct skin contact, minimizing the risk of delamination and toxicity, and enabling the integration of various electrode types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If microneedles are treated on the external surface to constitute electrodes, then electrochemical measurement capability is achieved, but the risk of delamination and release of non-biocompatible materials increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a biocompatible hydrogel layer as an intermediary between the electrode and the microneedle surface. This hydrogel layer serves as a mediator that prevents direct contact between non-biocompatible electrode materials and biological tissue, eliminating toxicity risks while maintaining electrochemical functionality. The hydrogel acts as a protective barrier that allows ion transport while blocking harmful material release.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material structure combining hydrogel and electrode materials. The hydrogel-electrode composite integrates the biocompatibility and ion conductivity of hydrogel with the electrochemical activity of electrode materials, creating a unified structure that prevents delamination while maintaining measurement capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple distinct microneedle patches are combined to integrate various electrodes, then comprehensive electrochemical measurement capability is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple electrode functions into a single integrated microneedle patch structure. Instead of combining separate patches, the invention integrates working electrode, reference electrode, and counter electrode functionalities within one unified hydrogel-based microneedle array, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining comprehensive measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydrogel-based microneedle platform provides universal functionality that can accommodate multiple electrode types and configurations. The same basic structure serves as working electrode, reference electrode, or counter electrode depending on configuration, eliminating the need for specialized patches for each electrode type.
3Reliability
If electrodes are placed inside the internal channel of microneedles, then electrochemical measurement is enabled, but manufacturing complexity increases and delamination risk remains
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrogel material provides self-organizing properties that enable electrodes to be naturally positioned and secured within the microneedle structure during the forming process. The hydrogel's gelation process automatically traps and positions electrodes, eliminating complex assembly steps while ensuring stable integration without delamination risk.
4Adaptability or versatility
If fluidic channels are added behind microneedles for electrode insertion, then electrode integration is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and production difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the fluidic channel component from the device architecture. Instead of requiring separate channels for electrode insertion, the invention allows electrodes to be directly integrated into the microneedle structure itself, removing the unnecessary intermediate channel structure and simplifying manufacturing.
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 solution provides a minimally invasive, stable, and biocompatible platform for transdermal electrochemical measurements, reducing the risk of electrode detachment and voltage drop, while allowing for efficient analyte detection and prolonged device stability.
Implementation Method 1
at least one polymeric support (1) having a surface (4) provided for contact with skin (2), at least one array of solid polymeric microneedles (3) integral with said support (4) and projecting outward from said surface (4) of the support (1) provided for contact with said skin (2), wherein said microneedles (3) and at least said surface (4) of contact of said support (1) with said skin (2) are formed of a biocompatible crosslinked hydrogel, non-electron-conductive in the dry state and electrolyte-conductive upon contact with an aqueous fluid
Implementation Method 2
The microneedle withdraws the interstitial fluid by capillary action and brings it into contact with the electrode for the measurement
Implementation Method 3
non-electron-conductive in the dry state and electrolyte-conductive upon contact with an aqueous fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A device having a polymeric support with a surface for contact with skin, an array of solid polymeric microneedles integral with the support and projecting outward from the surface of the support provided for contact with the skin, and an electrode. The microneedles and the surface of contact of the support with the skin are formed of a crosslinked hydrogel, non-electron-conductive in the dry state and electrolyte-conductive upon contact with an aqueous fluid. The electrode is arranged in contact with the hydrogel provided to swell upon contact with an aqueous fluid and is free of direct contact with the skin. A method for preparing the device and uses thereof are also described.