Abstract: A device to collect a biological sample may generally include an elongated rod having a handle and terminating in a tip; and a core and a plurality of projections extending in a radial direction from a surface of the core. The projections may have curved geometric pattern, such as a sinusoidal pattern, a circular arc pattern, and/or a helical pattern, for example. The device may include a layer of fibers disposed on a surface of the projections by flocking. Method of making and using the device are also described.

Abstract: A hybrid microneedle array and a method of fabricating the array is used for delivery of drugs, vaccines, and other therapeutic agents into tissues, including skin, heart, inner ear, and other tissues. The microneedle array can facilitate precise and reproducible intradermal delivery. Each microneedle has a dissolvable tip with a hollow body permitting the delivery of a variety of therapeutic agents into the skin. A fabrication process utilizes a two part mold to separately mold a dissolvable tip and a solid body portion of each microneedle in the array.