Abstract: Techniques are described for automated microinjection of substances, such as genetic material, into microscopic objects, such as embryos. An example system includes a pressure controller, a stereoscopic imaging apparatus, a first camera, a second camera, and a computing system. The computing system is configured to apply one or more computer vision algorithms that determine, based on image data generated by the stereoscopic imaging apparatus, first camera, and second camera, a location of a tip of a micropipette and a location of a particular microscopic object in three-dimensional space. The computing system is further configured to control the pressure controller to cause the micropipette to eject the substance from the tip of the micropipette and into the particular microscopic object.

Abstract: A dissoluble microneedle drug delivery system includes a fixation component having an opening window area, and at least two replaceable and/or dissoluble inner matrices fitting into the window area one after another. The fixation component comprises an array of microneedles attached on its base, at least part of the microneedles being configured to fix the delivery system onto skin. The first inner matrix comprises a multitude of microneedles attached on its base, at least part of the microneedles configured to prepare the skin to vaccination by the subsequent second inner matrix. The second inner matrix is a vaccine/immunization matrix configured to replace the first inner matrix and comprising an array of microneedles attached on its base, at least part of the microneedles configured to deliver a vaccination. The system may include a microchannel network within at least one inner matrices for delivery of components regulating dissolution of the microneedles.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is a device (1) for the transdermal delivery of active molecules. The device (1) comprises a support element (8) and a plurality of micro-needles (10) that protrude from a first surface of the support element (8), the support element (8) and the micro-needles (10) being both permeable to the active molecules. The device (1) further comprises a porous membrane (7) configured to be loaded with said active molecules, which lies on a second surface of the support element (8). Characteristically, the porous membrane (7) is configured to behave, from an optical viewpoint, as a Bragg mirror. Further objects of the present invention are the following uses of the device (1): for monitoring the release and/or the decay of the active molecules, for the optical control of the release of the active molecules and for the thermal control of the release of the active molecules.

Abstract: An applicator for an analyte monitoring device may include an actuatable housing having a body defining a cavity therein and having a distal opening and a side opening. A cuff and a shuttle are received within the cavity and are separately translatable relative to the housing body. A base may removable engage the housing body at the distal opening. The housing body, the cuff, the shuttle, and/or the base may be engaged with one another with one or more releasable coupling features. The base may be removed from an engagement with the housing body, causing the cuff and the shuttle to be aligned and positioned in a configuration in which the analyte monitoring device, held by the shuttle, is ready for insertion into the skin.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a soluble microneedle and a filler composition with an excellent anti-wrinkle effect. Using the microneedle according to the present disclosure, crosslinked hyaluronic acid (hyaluronic acid filler material) can be intradermally or subcutaneously administered by a simple method, and a swelling property of the crosslinked hyaluronic acid is improved after administration, thereby exhibiting the excellent anti-wrinkle effect.

Abstract: Microneedle patches and systems, and methods for use of such patches and systems. In one aspect, a microneedle patch is provided including a tab portion for handling the microneedle patch. In another aspect, a system is provided including a microneedle patch and a tray for housing the microneedle patch. In still another aspect, various indicators providing for providing feedback prior to, during, and after administration of the microneedle patch are provided. Advantageously, the described microneedle patches and systems provide improved handling and ease of application of the microneedle patches to skin for the delivery of therapeutic agents.

Abstract: A medical drug devices for transdermal drug delivery systems (TDDS) comprising a novel iontophoretic polymeric microneedle device and its use in administration of drugs.

Abstract: Providing a patch case that is easily attached to a microneedle applicator, easily separable from the microneedle patch upon insertion and disposable for use. The main feature of the patch case according to the present invention is characterized in that it is made of a thermoplastic polymer and is capable of holding a microneedle patch comprising a support film which can be heat-sealed with the thermoplastic polymer. Preferably, the thermoplastic polymer of the body and the fusible material of the support film are both polyolefins or both are the same thermoplastic polymer. In addition, if the patch case is attached to the front of the applicator, sanitary situation can be maintained even with continuous use of the applicator, since the applicator does not contact the skin of the recipient.

Abstract: A rotational atherectomy device includes a drive shaft, a cutter mechanism coupled to the drive shaft and configured to cut occlusive material from a lesion, and a multi-stage macerator coupled to the drive shaft and configured to macerate cut occlusive material into a fine slurry. Successive stages of the multi-stage macerator macerate the cut occlusive material into successively smaller particles, which are moved proximally through a lumen of a sheath of the device that surrounds the drive shaft proximal to the macerator. The device may include a movable cutter mechanism guard that is passively rotatable between a first position in which it covers the cutter mechanism and a second position in which it exposes the cutter mechanism. One or more features of the device may limit a depth to which the cutter mechanism is able to cut the occlusive material to reduce a likelihood of undesirable tissue dissection.

Abstract: Example eye treatments determine an area at a surface of a cornea for delivery of a cross-linking agent. The example treatments disrupt tissue at the area at the surface of the cornea up to a depth corresponding to apical layers of superficial squamous cells of the cornea, e.g., no greater than approximately 10 ?m to approximately 15 ?m. The example treatments apply a cross-linking agent to the area at the surface of the cornea. The cross-linking agent is transmitted through the disrupted area at a greater rate relative to non disrupted areas of the cornea. The example treatments deliver photoactivating light to the cornea. The photoactivating light activates the cross-linking agent to generate cross-linking activity in the cornea.

Abstract: A microneedle array includes a plurality of microneedles of which surfaces are coated with a liquid drug and a base for supporting the microneedles in which the microneedles are divided into two or more areas, and the surfaces of microneedles disposed in each of the divided areas are coated with different liquid drugs, and the ingredient of a liquid drug coated on microneedles disposed in one of the divided areas is different from the ingredients of liquid drugs coated on microneedles disposed in the remainder of the divided areas.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to systems and methods for delivering and/or receiving a substance or substances such as blood, from subjects, e.g., from the skin and/or from beneath the skin. In one aspect, the present invention is generally directed to devices and methods for receiving or extracting blood from a subject, e.g., from the skin and/or from beneath the skin, using devices containing a fluid transporter (for example, one or more microneedles), and a storage chamber having an internal pressure less than atmospheric pressure prior to receiving blood. In some cases, the device may be self-contained, and in certain instances, the device can be applied to the skin, and activated to receive blood from the subject. The device, or a portion thereof, may then be processed to determine the blood and/or an analyte within the blood, alone or with an external apparatus.

Abstract: A blood processing apparatus may include a heat exchanger and a gas exchanger. At least one of the heat exchanger and the gas exchanger may be configured to impart a radial component to blow flow through the heat exchanger and/or gas exchanger. The heat exchanger may be configured to cause blood flow to follow a spiral flow path.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods for using medical devices are disclosed. A rotational atherectomy device may include an elongate drive coil having a proximal end region and a distal end region, the elongate drive coil having a coil winding extending in a first helical direction, the elongate drive coil having a coil pitch. A tubular member is welded to the distal end region of the elongate drive coil via one or more helical welds that extend helically at least part way around the tubular member and a cutting member welded to the tubular member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a microneedle comprising a plurality of portions, wherein the plurality of portions comprise a distal end portion and a proximal end portion, at least two of the plurality of portions are made of different polymers, and the distal end portion is made of at least one polymer with high swellability and high viscoelasticity.

Abstract: An active molecule delivery system whereby active molecules can be released on demand and/or a variety of different active molecules can be delivered from the same system and/or different concentrations of active molecules can be delivered from the same system. The active delivery system includes a plurality of microcells, wherein the microcells are filled with a medium including active molecules. The microcells include an opening, and the opening is spanned by a porous diffusion layer. The microcell arrays may be loaded with different active ingredients, thereby providing a mechanism to deliver different, or complimentary, active ingredients on demand.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an audible indicator for use with a drug delivery device comprising a bistable resilient force member capable of residing in two states. In a biased state, the resilient force member is biased and stores energy In a relaxed state, the resilient force member is relaxed. The resilient force member releases the stored energy when transitioning from the biased state into the relaxed state, thereby generating an audible signal.

Abstract: A microneedle unit includes a liquid holder, a microneedle, and a support member. The liquid holder has an enclosure that holds liquid including a substance to be administered. The microneedle has a base body and protrusions extending from the surface of the base body. The protrusions are of a hardness sufficient to pierce the liquid holder. The support member supports the base body in a state such that the microneedle is arranged at a position in which the tips of the protrusions and the enclosure holding the liquid are opposed to each other with a gap provided therebetween. The tips of the protrusions can be displaced to a position where the tips of the protrusions penetrate through the liquid holder in response to an external force applied to the base body.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a microneedle according to the present disclosure includes a step of preparing a microneedle; a step of cooling the microneedle; and a step of inducing an endothermic reaction of the cooled microneedle, and coating the cooled microneedle with an active ingredient at least once. In accordance with such a configuration, coatability of the active ingredient can be improved due to an endothermic reaction without a separate drying process, thereby providing superior medication.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a micro-needle unit and an injection device capable of being readily connected to a liquid supply source and capable of performing an effective injection via a simple configuration. The micro-needle unit is provided with a plurality of micro-needles disposed on the puncturing side and provided with a flow channel, and drug solution supply needles disposed on the side opposite from the puncturing side in a number less than that of the micro-needles and provided with a flow channel in communication with the aforementioned flow channel, the micro-needle unit thereby being capable of being readily connected to a liquid supply source and capable of performing an effective injection via a simple configuration.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a microneedle array having a pin frog shape which is coated with a drug composition comprising a drug and an additive and having Vickers hardness of about 3 or more is applied to a microneedle array. The microneedle array coated with the drug composition according to the present invention can be used in the field in which the drug is required to be administered with high quantitative performance even when the drug is contained at low content.

Abstract: Microneedle arrays, methods for fabricating microneedle arrays, medical devices, and methods for operating medical devices are provided. A method for fabricating a microneedle array includes providing a sheet blank of material. Further, the method includes stamping the sheet blank of material with a progression of dies, wherein the material is displaced into the microneedle array. A medical device includes a microneedle array, a base member having a first surface supporting the microneedle array and a second surface, and a flexible wall enclosing a chamber between the flexible wall and the second surface of the base member. The flexible wall is biased toward an extended configuration enclosing a first volume in the chamber. Further, the flexible wall is movable to a depressed configuration enclosing a second volume in the chamber less than the first volume.

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: A method for producing a needle-shaped body having needles on a first surface of a substrate made of a thermoplastic resin, the method including the steps of: forming the needle-shaped body by filling the thermoplastic resin into a duplication plate having recesses that correspond to shapes of the needles; providing a support member made of a material different from a material for the needle-shaped body on a second surface of the substrate which is opposite to the first surface; and removing the needle-shaped body and the support member which are integrally formed from the duplication plate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transdermal microneedle unit and a transdermal microneedle drug delivery device comprising the transdermal microneedle unit. The transdermal microneedle unit comprises a plurality of sheets stacked with each, each the sheet having at least one through hole defined thereon and a barbule arranged at the peripheral of the through hole, wherein the through hole on one sheet is penetrated by the barbules of other sheets and the barbules being juxtaposed to form at least one triangular pyramidal transdermal microneedle. The transdermal microneedle drug delivery device comprises a substrate, a transdermal microneedle unit, a union joint and an injection syringe.

Abstract: Provided is a device for surely and easily applying a microneedle patch to a skin. In a case body 2, a pressing member 3 having a tip surface 3a is disposed such that the pressing member is biased in a first direction X1 by a first biasing member. The movement in the first direction X1 is locked by a locking member 7 and a locking part 3g so that the pressing member 3 is brought into a locked state. The locked state is released by pressing a tip of a lock-releasing member 11 against the skin. When the locked state is released, a tip surface 3a of the pressing member 3 is moved in the first direction X1 and the tip surface 3a applies the microneedle patch to the skin.

Abstract: An article 100 comprising at least one microneedle 160 is provided. The article comprises a first side 112 and a second side 114 opposite the first side. The first side comprises a central cavity portion 120 and a platform portion 130, with at least one microneedle extending therefrom, wherein the platform portion is not coplanar with the central cavity portion. The platform portion substantially surrounds the central cavity portion. The at least one microneedle 160 comprises a body comprising an outer surface 163; a base segment 166 having a base and a first shape; a tip segment 168 having a tip 164 and a second shape, wherein the second shape is distinct from the first shape; a transition plane 167 that delineates the base segment and the tip segment; and a central axis.

Abstract: A blood processing apparatus may include a heat exchanger and a gas exchanger. At least one of the heat exchanger and the gas exchanger may be configured to impart a radial component to blow flow through the heat exchanger and/or gas exchanger. The heat exchanger may be configured to cause blood flow to follow a spiral flow path.

Abstract: A blood processing apparatus may include a heat exchanger and a gas exchanger. At least one of the heat exchanger and the gas exchanger may be configured to impart a radial component to blow flow through the heat exchanger and/or gas exchanger. The heat exchanger may be configured to cause blood flow to follow a spiral flow path.

Abstract: A transdermal therapeutic system with a system support, at least one advancing element which is embedded into the system support, and at least one active ingredient reservoir which can be elastically deformed at least in some regions and which is embedded into the advancing element. On the application side of the transdermal therapeutic system, the system support surrounds the advancing element, and the advancing element surrounds the active ingredient reservoir. The advancing element comprises a swelling body which can be expanded by means of a liquid intake. The system support is designed to be rigid at least in some regions. A transdermal therapeutic system is developed which enhances the effect of the advancing element.

Abstract: Disclosed is a microneedle coating composition comprising a Japanese encephalitis vaccine antigen, a basic amino acid, and an acid, wherein the mole number of the acid for one mole of the basic amino acid is larger than 1/(N+1) and less than 2, where N represents the valence of the acid.

Abstract: A microneedle array in accordance with one embodiment comprises at least a first microneedle and a second microneedle that are inclined with respect to a support face. A tip of the first microneedle points in a first direction, and a tip of the second microneedle points in a second direction different from the first direction. The first microneedle in contact with skin is stuck into the skin while being moved along a surface of the skin in the first direction. The second microneedle in contact with the skin is stuck into the skin while being moved along the surface of the skin in the second direction.

Abstract: A method and a drug delivery system for transdermally administering parathyroid hormone (PTH) in a pulsatile fashion are provided, where the drug delivery system comprises an array of microprojections each comprising PTH.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide swallowable devices, preparations and methods for delivering drugs and other therapeutic agents within the GI tract. Particular embodiments provide a swallowable device such as a capsule for delivering drugs into the intestinal wall or other GI lumen. Embodiments also provide various drug preparations that are configured to be contained within the capsule, advanced from the capsule into the intestinal wall and degrade within the wall to release the drug to produce a therapeutic effect. The preparation can be coupled to a delivery mechanism having one or more balloons or other expandable devices which are expandable responsive to a condition in the small intestine or other GI lumen to advance the preparation out of the capsule into the intestinal wall. Embodiments of the invention are particularly useful for the delivery of drugs which are poorly absorbed, tolerated and/or degraded within the GI tract.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods relating to microneedles, including a first element including an array of microprojections and a second element including a supportive substrate upon which the microprojections are formed perpendicular to the substrate surface.

Abstract: A method of forming a microneedle array can include forming a microneedle array that has one or more bioactive component. The microneedle array can include a base portion and plurality of microneedles extending from the base portion, and the one or more bioactive components are present in a higher concentration in the plurality of microneedles than in the base portion.

Abstract: A buccal microneedle patch may be provided for vaccination. The buccal microneedle patch may include at least one of microneedles. The at least one microneedles may be configured to contain a predetermined vaccine and to penetrate an outside layer of a buccal mucosa for promptly delivering the predetermined vaccine.

Abstract: The invention is a non-surgical method for the eradication of pigmentation and scar tissue from an area of skin. The method comprises repeatedly puncturing the area of skin with an array of needles. As the needles are inserted into the skin, the needles and surface of the skin are washed with a clean solution. As the needles are withdrawn from the skin, the flow of clean solution ceases and the dirty solution, which contains cellular fluids and pigments released by the action of the needles, is removed from the surface. The invention is also a solution, which is used to clean the needles and to aid in destroying the pigment containing cells, and an apparatus, which is especially designed to move the needles into and out of the surface of the skin and to provide synchronization of the motion of the needles and flow of the solution such as to maximize the effectiveness of the method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a microneedle and a microneedle array. More specifically, it relates to a microneedle and a microneedle array capable of injecting a drug into the surface layer or horny layer of the skin easily, safely and efficiently.

Abstract: Embodiments of dermalogical cell treatment are described generally herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.

Abstract: A device for percutaneous delivery of therapeutic agents includes a head, a wheel rotably mounted on the head, the wheel having an axis of rotation and an outer surface, a plurality of needles disposed upon the outer surface, each needle having a tip projecting away from the axis of rotation of the wheel, and a reservoir mounted on the body, the reservoir containing a fluid, the reservoir having an opening near to the wheel such that the fluid is disposed on the wheel through the opening.

Abstract: A puncture device is a device for transferring an active ingredient into a body through a skin by piercing the skin with a microneedle. The puncture device comprises a tubular housing, a piston slidably arranged within the housing and having a main surface intersecting a sliding direction, and a nonlinear coil spring arranged within the housing and providing the piston with a biasing force. A plurality of microneedles are arranged on the main surface side.

Abstract: There is provided glucagon formulations suitable for preparing coatings on microneedle patches for the transdermal delivery of glucagon. The coated patches may be used for the treatment of low blood sugar in diabetic patients. Also provided are glucagon loaded patches, methods for their preparation, and methods of their use.

Abstract: A low-profile applicator, and a method of manufacturing and use thereof, for impacting microneedles against the stratum corneum of a person having a housing, a diaphragm member having the microneedles, a folding member having interlinking members that hinge-ably rotate with a force member, operatively attached thereto, between a resting position and an extended position. The folding member translates energy stored within the force member when release while retaining the force member in an energized state when in the resting position.

Abstract: A human skin treatment arrangement configured to treat surface conditions of human skin, especially the wrinkle, fine lines or scar appeared on the surface of human face, or for improving absorption efficiency of cosmetic or medical transdermal agent. In a treatment mode, the arrangement is configured for attaching to a portion of human skin such that the area of the human skin under treatment is maintained in a stretched position to enhance the treatment effect. In a further embodiment, the arrangement comprises a wrinkle relief agent, a scar relief agent or a cosmetic or medical transdermal agent to treat the surface of the skin.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for the use of a truncated, recombinant laminin-511 for modifying hair growth as well as delivery devices, kits and methods for topically administering truncated, recombinant laminin-511. Furthermore disclosed are delivery devices, kits and methods using modulators of full-length laminin-511 expression or function to decrease hair growth in areas of unwanted hair growth.

Abstract: A substance delivery device comprises a substrate, a plurality of dissolvable supporting structures and a plurality of carriers. The substrate attaches to a tissue. The dissolvable supporting structures are disposed on the substrate. The carriers are disposed on the dissolvable supporting structures and encapsulating substances. The present invention further provides a substance delivery method. The substance delivery device and the substance delivery method of present invention is advantageous for providing sustained release effect and rising the applicability of transdermal or transmucosal delivery techniques.

Abstract: A skin treatment device includes a handle and a tip, having a skin applying surface, detachably coupled to the handle. A fluid delivery structure is formed at skin applying surface and has an aperture and a vacuum entry port. A fluid detouring path is defined between the aperture and the vacuum entry port for prolonging a traveling path of fluid from the aperture and the vacuum entry port. An abrading structure, an electrode structure, and a micro-needling structure are selectively provided at the skin applying surface with the fluid delivery structure to provide multiple functions of the tip.

Abstract: A retainer (34) is provided for holding a microprotrusion member (44) for application of the microprotrusion member (44) to the stratum corneum with an impact applicator (10). The microprotrusion member (44) includes a plurality of microprotrusions (90) which penetrate the stratum corneum to improve transport of an agent across the stratum corneum.

Abstract: A blood processing apparatus may include a heat exchanger and a gas exchanger. At least one of the heat exchanger and the gas exchanger may be configured to impart a radial component to blow flow through the heat exchanger and/or gas exchanger. The heat exchanger may be configured to cause blood flow to follow a spiral flow path.