Microneedle Microsystem Multi-Material Delivery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current biodegradable microstructures for transdermal delivery have limited loading capacity, stability issues with multi-active ingredients, and difficulties in delivering hydrophobic compounds, leading to inefficient and potentially harmful skin interactions.

Innovation Solution

A multi-material delivery microsystem featuring microneedles on a base film with a material accommodation part that includes a ring-shaped partition wall and a support plate, allowing for simultaneous penetration of multiple materials into the skin, enhancing loading capacity and delivery efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If biodegradable microstructures are used for transdermal delivery, then painless delivery is achieved, but the loading capacity of active ingredients is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovepainVSAvoidloading capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements nesting by placing a material accommodation part inside the hollow interior of the microneedle. The microneedle itself forms an outer structure that contains the accommodation part, creating a nested configuration that maximizes loading capacity within the microneedle's physical dimensions while maintaining the painless transdermal delivery advantage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple active ingredients are loaded on biodegradable microstructures, then comprehensive treatment is achieved, but chemical reactions may inactivate the ingredients

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-active ingredient deliveryVSAvoidingredient stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the microneedle into distinct functional zones: a hydrophilic polymer region for water-soluble ingredients and a hydrophobic polymer region for oil-soluble ingredients. This spatial segmentation prevents unwanted chemical reactions between different active ingredients while enabling comprehensive treatment with multiple compounds

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Duration of action of stationary object

If hydrophilic polymers are used to fabricate biodegradable microstructures, then biodegradability is achieved, but hydrophobic active ingredients cannot be loaded

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebiodegradation timeVSAvoidhydrophobic ingredient loading

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements composite materials by combining hydrophilic polymers (for biodegradability and water-soluble ingredient loading) with hydrophobic polymers (for hydrophobic ingredient loading) within the same microneedle structure. This composite approach maintains the biodegradable nature of the microneedle while expanding its capability to deliver both hydrophilic and hydrophobic active ingredients

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

4Ease of operation

If microneedles with sharp tip and wide base are used, then easy insertion is achieved, but complete penetration into skin is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsertion easeVSAvoidpenetration efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-forming the microneedle with an optimized geometry during manufacturing that balances insertion ease with penetration completeness. The microneedle is designed with specific dimensional ratios and structural features before use that ensure it will fully penetrate the skin barrier upon application, eliminating the need for adjustment or repositioning

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 microsystem enables rapid and efficient delivery of both hydrophilic and hydrophobic compounds, maintaining active ingredient stability and reducing skin irritation by ensuring complete penetration of materials.

Implementation Method 1

microneedles inserted into the skin

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

dissolved by body fluids to deliver the loaded active ingredients

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDissolution: Solvation

Data Source

PatentUS20240350782A1Microsystem for delivering multiple materials

Publication Date: 2024.10.24 CURSUS BIO INC

AI summary

A microsystem for delivering multiple materials is provided. The microsystem for delivering multiple materials can include: a microstructure which has microneedles formed on one surface of a base film and which is made of a first material; and a material accommodation part which is positioned in one region of the microstructure, and which has an accommodation space for accommodating a second material that differs from the first material.