Microneedle Patch Segmented Design for Bleeding Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional drug injection methods using syringes require expertise and cause pain, while existing microneedle systems may cause bleeding and inflammation due to direct penetration into the skin.
Innovation Solution
A microneedle patch design featuring an invasive part with drug-loaded microneedles and a non-invasive part without microneedles, allowing for targeted drug delivery while minimizing penetration and inflammation, using a biodegradable polymer base and specific drug formulations like tranexamic acid for hemostasis and analgesia.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If microneedles are used to penetrate the skin for drug delivery, then drug delivery efficacy is improved, but bleeding and inflammation occur due to direct penetration into the affected area
Solution Approach 1:
The microneedle patch is divided into two distinct regions: an invasive part containing microneedles for drug delivery, and a non-invasive part without microneedles that contacts the affected area. This segmentation allows the microneedles to deliver drugs effectively while preventing direct penetration into the affected area, thereby reducing bleeding and inflammation.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the microneedle patch are assigned different functions: the invasive part is designed with microneedles for penetrating the skin and delivering drugs, while the non-invasive part is designed without microneedles to minimize harm when contacting the affected area. This local differentiation of properties resolves the contradiction between effective drug delivery and minimizing tissue damage.
2Reliability
If conventional syringe injection is used for drug delivery, then effective drug delivery is achieved, but it requires expert operation and causes pain
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the complex mechanical injection system (syringe requiring manual operation) with a passive microneedle patch system that utilizes the skin's own properties for drug delivery. The microneedles automatically penetrate the skin barrier and deliver drugs through diffusion and dissolution, eliminating the need for expert operation and reducing pain compared to conventional injections.
3Reliability
If microneedles penetrate directly into the affected area, then drug delivery to the target site is maximized, but additional bleeding and inflammation are caused
Solution Approach 1:
The non-invasive part of the microneedle patch acts as an intermediary between the microneedles and the affected area. It provides direct contact with the affected area for hemostatic and anti-inflammatory effects without causing additional penetration damage, while the microneedles in the invasive part deliver drugs to the surrounding tissue. This intermediary structure resolves the contradiction between maximizing drug delivery and minimizing additional tissue damage.
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 effectively delivers drugs with reduced bleeding and inflammation, providing efficient hemostasis and drug absorption while being simple and economical to manufacture, as demonstrated by experiments on rat liver, skin, and heart wounds.
Implementation Method 1
Microneedles pierce the stratum corneum of the skin and penetrate into the epidermis or dermis of the skin, where they remain in the skin for several minutes to several hours and are decomposed by body fluids to allow the drug to be absorbed into the body.
Data Source
AI summary
A microneedle patch according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a base including an invasive part and a non-invasive part; and a microneedle located in the invasive part of the base, wherein at least a portion of the microneedle is loaded with drug, and no microneedle is located in the non-invasive part.