Transdermal Patch With Removable Microneedle Array
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current transdermal and topical drug delivery methods are limited by the barrier properties of the skin, particularly the stratum corneum, which restricts the effective delivery of active ingredients, and existing devices that combine skin treatment and drug delivery are complex and limited in their drug delivery capacity.
Innovation Solution
A transdermal adhesive patch assembly that separates skin treatment and drug delivery functions, using a microneedle array to increase skin permeability followed by a matrix with an active ingredient positioned over the treated area, allowing for flexible and efficient drug delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single integrated device is used to perform both skin treatment and drug delivery, then the device is conceptually easy for patients to administer, but the device becomes complex and limited in drug delivery capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two separate components: a microneedle array for skin treatment and a matrix for drug delivery. The microneedle array can be applied to the skin first to create microchannels, then the matrix is applied separately to deliver the active ingredient through the treated skin. This segmentation simplifies each individual component while maintaining ease of use through a sequential application process.
2Ease of operation
If skin treatment and drug delivery are combined in one device, then administration is simpler, but the amount of drug that can be effectively delivered is limited
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the skin treatment function (microneedle array) from the drug delivery function (matrix), each component can be optimized independently. The matrix can be designed with sufficient drug capacity without being constrained by the physical limitations of an integrated device, thereby increasing the effective amount of active ingredient that can be delivered.
Solution Approach 2:
The microneedle array is applied first to pre-treat the skin and create microchannels before the matrix is applied. This preliminary action of skin treatment enhances permeability in advance, allowing for greater drug delivery capacity when the matrix is subsequently applied, without requiring the drug and treatment to be combined in a single constrained device.
3Measurement precision
If the matrix is accurately aligned with the treated area, then drug delivery precision is improved, but an additional user step is required to separate skin treatment from drug delivery
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into a removable microneedle array and a stationary matrix on the backing. After the microneedle array is applied and removed, the matrix remains positioned on the backing in registration relationship with where the microneedles were applied. This segmentation allows the matrix to be accurately aligned with the treated area while the separation of functions is built into the device structure itself, making the additional step intuitive and systematic.
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
This approach ensures accurate alignment of the active ingredient with the treated skin, simplifies device design, and enhances drug delivery efficacy by decoupling skin treatment from drug delivery, allowing for greater flexibility and effectiveness in delivering active ingredients across the skin.
Implementation Method 1
The microneedles pierce the skin and remain attached while the drug flows from the reservoir into the skin
Implementation Method 2
a skin-contact adhesive coupled to the second major surface of the backing
Implementation Method 3
the matrix can be placed on the site of the treated skin to perform the second function of delivering the active ingredient to the treated skin
Implementation Method 4
delivering an active ingredient to the treated skin
Data Source
AI summary
A transdermal adhesive patch assembly and method of using same. The assembly can include a backing, and an adhesive and a matrix coupled to the backing. The matrix can include an active ingredient. The assembly can further include a microneedle array in at least partially overlapping relationship with the matrix; and a carrier that couples the microneedle array to the matrix opposite the backing, wherein the carrier and the microneedle array form a skin treatment assembly that, along with the matrix, can be located on a flap. The method can include adhering at least a portion of the adhesive to skin to form an anchor; applying pressure adjacent the microneedle array to treat an area of the skin; moving the flap away from the skin; removing the skin treatment assembly to expose the matrix; and replacing the flap to position the matrix over the treated area of the skin.