Abstract: A first embodiment microneedle array is constructed of silicon and silicon dioxide compounds using MEMS technology and standard microfabrication techniques to create hollow cylindrical individual microneedles. The resulting array of microneedles can penetrate with a small pressure through the stratum corneum of skin to either deliver drugs or to facilitate interstitial fluid sampling through the hollow microneedles into the epidermis. The delivery of drugs and sampling of fluids can be performed by way of passive diffusion (time release), instantaneous injection, or iontophoresis. In a second embodiment, an array of hollow (or solid) microneedles is constructed of plastic or some other type of molded or cast material. An electric field may be used to increase transdermal flow rate, and the microneedles can be effectively combined with the application of an electric field between an anode and cathode attached to the skin which causes a low-level electric current.

Abstract: One embodiment of a microneedle array is constructed of silicon and silicon dioxide compounds using MEMS technology and standard microfabrication techniques to create hollow cylindrical individual microneedles. The resulting array of microneedles is designed to penetrate the stratum corneum and epidermis layers of skin, but not into the dermis. In a second embodiment, an array of hollow (or solid) microneedles are constructed of molded plastic, in which a micro-machining technique is used to fabricate the molds used in a plastic microforming process. Such molds contain a micropillar array and/or microhole array. The manufacturing procedures for creating plastic arrays of microneedles include: “self-molding,” micromolding, microembossing, and microinjection techniques. In the “self-molding” method, a plastic (e.g.

Abstract: A microneedle array is constructed of silicon and silicon dioxide compounds using MEMS (i.e., Micro-Electro-Mechanical-Systems) technology and standard microfabrication techniques. The microneedle array may be fabricated from a silicon die which can be etched in a microfabrication process to create hollow cylindrical individual microneedles. The resulting array of microneedles can penetrate with a small pressure through the stratum corneum of skin (including skin of animals, reptiles, or other creatures—typically skin of a living organism) to either deliver drugs or to facilitate interstitial fluid sampling through the hollow microneedles.

Abstract: A microneedle array, constructed of silicon and silicon dioxide compounds or of a molded plastic material, is provided to penetrate the stratum corneum and epidermis layers of skin, but not into the dermis. The microneedles can be used to either dispense a liquid drug, or to sample a body fluid. The delivery of drugs and sampling of fluids can be performed by way of passive diffusion (time release), instantaneous injection, or iontophoresis. A complete closed-loop system can be manufactured including active elements, such as micro-machined pumps, as well as passive elements such as sensors. A “smart patch” can thereby be fabricated that samples body fluids, performs chemistry to decide on the appropriate drug dosage, and then administers the corresponding amount of drug. An electric field may be used to increase transdermal flow rate.