Abstract:
An article having at least one microneedle (160, 260) is provided. The microneedle includes a base (162), an elongated body (161) having a central axis (130) and a body diameter (168), a tip portion (166), a first channel (170), and a second channel (176). The tip portion includes a tip (164), a beveled surface (140), and a bevel opening (172) in the beveled surface. The first channel extends axially from the bevel opening through at least a portion of the elongated body and has a first wall that is substantially aligned with the central axis. The second channel extends radially from the first channel to the bevel opening and has a second wall that is oriented substantially orthogonal to the central axis. The first channel and second channel merge to form the bevel opening.
Abstract:
Methods for fabricating metallic microneedles are disclosed. One method comprises providing a mold pillar; forming an apertured electrically-conductive layer over the mold pillar; and depositing a metal layer over the electrically-conductive layer to provide an apertured microneedle. Another method comprises providing a mold pillar; depositing a first metal layer over the mold pillar to provide a first microneedle; removing the first microneedle from the mold pillar; and depositing a second metal layer over the mold pillar to provide a second microneedle.
Abstract:
A microneedle applicator. The applicator can include a microneedle array, a microneedle array holder, and an actuator movable between a first position and a second position to cause the microneedle array holder to move, respectively, between a retracted position and an extended position. The applicator can further include a first biasing element configured to bias the actuator in the first position, and a counter assembly, or mechanism, configured to count a number of times the microneedle array holder is moved between the retracted position and the extended position (or the number of times the actuator is moved from the first position to the second position). In some embodiments, the counter assembly can include the actuator and first biasing element.
Abstract:
A drug delivery device is disclosed that may include a skin penetrating assembly having a support defining an upper surface and a lower surface. The skin penetrating assembly may also include a plurality of skin penetrating members extending outwardly from the lower surface. Each skin penetrating member may define a channel for receiving a drug formulation. In addition, the device may include a reservoir positioned adjacent to the upper surface of the support for initially retaining the drug formulation, The reservoir may include a top surface and a bottom surface and may define a plurality of passages extending between the top and bottom surfaces. The passages may be configured such that the drug formulation is retained within the passages against gravity.
Abstract:
The present application provides articles (10) having a polymeric substrate (12) with a plurality of solid and/or hollow microneedles (20) extending therefrom. Each solid microneedle is formed by a molding process and the microneedle has body with first (30) and second cavities (40) extending therein. The hollow microneedles are formed by removing a portion of the polymeric material disposed between the first cavity and the second cavity. A method for determining the location of a microneedle in an article comprising solid microneedles is also provided. The method comprises directing electromagnetic radiation toward an article comprising a plurality of microneedles and imaging the article.