Abstract: Method of hollow micro-projections having side walls and at least one opening in a side wall, by a molding technique. The hollow micro-projections are defined by a first, negative mold defining the exterior shape of the micro-projections and a second, positive mold defining the hollow interior shape of the micro-projections. The method includes injecting a moldable material into the space between the two molds, in a state where they have been brought together. The positive and negative molds each have an essentially cylindrical geometry. In the process of bringing the molds together, the mold halves are laterally off-set with respect to each other, such that the distance between an inner wall of the negative mold and the positive mold in the area, ranges from zero to a finite distance. Micro-projections and arrays of micro-projections are also disclosed.

Abstract: A hollow out-of-wafer-plane micro-needle protruding from a support member, the micro-needle includes a body portion having a longitudinal central axis, an inner lumen within the body portion and extending through the support member and into the protruding micro-needle, a closed pointed tip portion closing off the inner lumen in the tip region, the central axis extending through the tip portion, and at least one side opening in the body portion having an axis that intersects the central axis, the at least one side opening communicating with the inner lumen.