Abstract: A device (10) and method for transporting fluids across biological barriers enhances penetration of a biological barrier by the use of directional insertion, preferably with asymmetric microneedles (18) and/or microneedles (18) with sharp edges. Additionally, or alternatively, adhesion followed by alteration of contact geometry is employed to stretch the biological barrier across the microneedles (18), thereby also enhancing penetration. Also disclosed is a device (10) and method which combine shallow penetration by hollow microneedles (18) with jet injection via the microneedles (18) to achieve a total liquid penetration depth greater than the mechanical penetration depth of the microneedles (18).

Abstract: A microneedle device for transporting fluid through a surface of a biological barrier, the device including a fluid transport configuration, an abutment member and a displacement device. The fluid transport configuration includes a substrate having a substantially planar surface having a plurality of microneedles projecting therefrom. The abutment member has an abutment surface for abutting the biological barrier. The displacement device is configured for generating a relative lateral sliding movement between the surface of the biological barrier and the fluid transport configuration in a sliding direction of the microneedles The microneedles are arranged so that a leading microneedle defines an effective area which is effective void of another microneedle. The effective area is defined as an area marked out by translating the base area of the leading microneedle, by the height of the leading microneedle, in a direction opposite to the sliding direction.

Abstract: A microstructure for transferring a substance through the surface of the skin, comprising a substrate having a first and a second side and at least one microstructure projecting from the second side of the substrate. The micrstructure has at least one hollow. The hollow is isolated from the fluid connection with the first side of the substrate. The hollow is configured such that, when the microstructure is inserted through the surface of the skin, at least part of the substance is transferred through the surface of the skin in the hollow.

Abstract: A device (10) and method for tranporting fluids across biological barriers enhances penetration of a biological barrier by the use of directional insertion, preferably with asymmetric microneedles (18) and/or microneedles (18) with sharp edges. Additionally, or alternatively, adhesion followed by alteration of contact geometry is employed to stretch the biological barrier across the microneedles (18), thereby also enhancing penetration. Also disclosed is a device (10) and method which combine shallow penetration by hollow microneedles (18) with jet injection via the microneedles (18) to achieve a total liquid penetration depth greater than the mechanical penetration depth of the microneedles (18).