Microneedle Patch Composite Material for Skin Penetration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current patch tests for allergic reactions are invasive, painful, and inaccurate, while microneedle patches face issues with mechanical strength, biocompatibility, and controlled allergen release.
Innovation Solution
A microneedle patch comprising a composite material of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and additional copolymers like maltose, leucine, and dileucine, designed to pierce the skin and dissolve, delivering agents effectively with controlled release and biocompatibility, and equipped with sensors to detect immune responses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If pure PVP is used for microneedles, then mechanical strength is improved, but biocompatibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials consisting of PVP combined with biocompatible polymers (such as polyacrylamide, polyvinyl alcohol, or carboxymethyl cellulose) to create microneedles that simultaneously achieve sufficient mechanical strength for skin penetration and improved biocompatibility for safe skin contact and dissolution
2Ease of operation
If dissolving microneedles are used, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to incomplete penetration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes parameters including microneedle geometry (length, diameter, tip angle), material composition ratios, and fabrication conditions to ensure consistent skin penetration depth and complete dissolution, reducing variation in penetration across different microneedles
3Strength
If PVP is used for microneedles, then mechanical strength is improved, but allergen release rate deteriorates due to low solubility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines PVP with highly soluble biocompatible polymers in specific ratios to create composite microneedles that maintain mechanical strength while achieving enhanced solubility and controlled release rates for the allergen or therapeutic agent
Solution Approach 2:
The patent may create spatial variations in composition within the microneedle structure, with different polymer ratios in different regions (e.g., higher soluble polymer content near the tip) to optimize both structural integrity and localized release kinetics
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 microneedle patch provides a safe, accurate, and efficient method for transdermal delivery of agents, enhancing the diagnosis of allergic reactions and improving the delivery of cosmetic or pharmaceutical agents with precise control over agent release and immune response detection.
Implementation Method 1
each of the microneedles is configured to dissolve and thereby deliver the agent to the mammal upon application on the skin
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiment provided herein are directed to microneedle patches for agent application on a mammal skin. The microneedle patch may comprise a patch scaffold having a surface, and a plurality of microneedles disposed on the surface. Each of the microneedles may be capable of piercing the skin 50 μm to 1000 μm deep, and comprises a composite material comprising polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and one or more additional copolymers selected from the group consisting of maltose, leucine, and dileucine.