Microneedle Patch With Force Feedback for Reliable Self-Application
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microneedle arrays face challenges such as cumbersome applicators, high cost, cross-contamination issues, and difficulties in verifying effective administration of therapeutic agents, along with manufacturing scale-up and stability of therapeutic agents.
Innovation Solution
A microneedle patch design with a tab portion for easy handling, a tray system for storage and protection, and mechanical force indicators for proper application, along with dissolvable microneedles for easy insertion and release of therapeutic agents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate complex applicators are used to apply microneedle patches, then microneedle insertion reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the separate applicator device from the system and extracts only the essential function of force application, which is achieved by the user's manual pressing action on the patch itself. This eliminates the complex applicator while maintaining insertion reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The microneedle patch is designed to be self-applied by the user through manual pressing, without requiring a separate applicator device. The patch structure itself enables the insertion function, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating additional components.
2Reliability
If integrated applicators are used in microneedle devices, then microneedle insertion reliability is improved, but device dimensionality and wearability increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the integrated applicator structure from the patch design, extracting only the essential force application function which is achieved through external manual pressing. This maintains insertion reliability while preserving patch thinness and wearability.
3Device complexity
If manual handling without tab is used, then device simplicity is improved, but handling ease and contamination risk worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patch is segmented into functional layers including a handle layer with a tab portion that extends from the adhesive layer. This tab provides a dedicated handling interface that separates the user's fingers from the microneedles and adhesive, improving ease of operation without adding significant complexity.
4Reliability
If complex applicators are used for mass vaccinations, then insertion reliability is improved, but cross-contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each microneedle patch is designed as a self-contained, self-applied unit that requires no shared applicator device. The user directly applies the patch to the skin, eliminating cross-contamination risks associated with shared applicators while maintaining insertion reliability through proper patch design.
5Productivity
If microneedles are small in size, then transdermal delivery effectiveness is improved, but verification of effective administration becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates visual indicators such as color changes or visible markers on the patch or at the application site that indicate successful microneedle insertion and drug delivery. This allows easy verification of effective administration despite the small size of the microneedles themselves.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A microneedle patch for administration of a substance of interest into a biological tissue, the microneedle patch comprising: a base substrate having a microneedle side and an opposing back side; solid microneedles extending from the microneedle side of the base substrate, the solid microneedles being formed of a composition which comprises (i) a substance of interest selected from active pharmaceutical ingredients, allergens, vitamins, cosmetic agents, cosmeceuticals, and markers, and (ii) a matrix material in which the substance of interest is dispersed; and an indicator connected to the opposing back side of the base substrate, wherein the indicator is configured to provide an audible, tactile, and visual signal when a force applied to the patch by a user, in the course of applying the patch to a biological tissue to insert the solid microneedles into the biological tissue, meets or exceeds a predetermined threshold.