Low-profile microneedle array applicator
View Patent ↗An applicator used to apply microneedle arrays to a mammal. In particular, an application device for applying a microneedle device to a skin surface comprising a flexible sheet having a raised central area attached to the microneedle device and a supporting member at or near the periphery of the flexible sheet, wherein the flexible sheet is configured such that it will undergo a stepwise motion in the direction orthogonal to the major plane of the sheet.
1. An application device for applying a microneedle device to a skin surface comprising a flexible sheet having a raised central area, a microneedle device attached to the raised central area, a major plane, and a periphery, wherein motion of the raised central area in a direction perpendicular to the major plane of the flexible sheet drives the microneedle device against the skin surface, and wherein the flexible sheet is configured such that it will undergo a stepwise motion in the direction orthogonal to the major plane of the sheet.
2. A device according to claim 1 wherein the stepwise motion moves the raised central area closer to the skin surface.
3. A device according to claim 1 further comprising a supporting member at or near the periphery of the flexible sheet, wherein the supporting member comprises a spacer attached to the periphery of the flexible sheet.
4. A device according to claim 3 further comprising an adhesive for affixing the supporting member to the skin surface.
5. A device according to claim 3 further comprising a protective face attached to the spacer.
6. A device according to claim 5 wherein the protective face is slidably attached to the spacer.
7. A device according to claim 1 wherein a predetermined minimum amount of force is necessary to cause the stepwise motion.
8. A device according to claim 1 wherein the stepwise motion in the direction orthogonal to the major plane of the flexible sheet is triggered by application of force in a direction orthogonal to the major plane of the sheet.
9. A device according to claim 1 wherein the stepwise motion in the direction orthogonal to the major plane of the flexible sheet is triggered by application of force in a direction parallel to the major plane of the sheet.
10. A device according to claim 9 wherein the microneedle device comprises a microneedle array.
11. A device according to claim 1 wherein the microneedle device is releasably attached to the flexible sheet.
12. A device according to claim 1 wherein the microneedle device exceeds a velocity of 4 m/s during at least a portion of the stepwise motion.
13. A device according to claim 12 wherein the microneedle device exceeds a velocity of 6 m/s during at least a portion of the stepwise motion.
14. A method of using an application device according to claim 1 for applying a microneedle array to a skin surface comprising placing the application device against the skin surface and applying a force to the application device sufficient to cause the flexible sheet of the application device to change from a convex orientation to a concave orientation with respect to the skin surface, thereby driving the microneedle array against the skin.
15. A method according to claim 14 wherein the force is applied in a direction orthogonal to the skin surface.
16. A method according to claim 14 wherein the force is applied in a direction parallel to the skin surface.
17. An application device for applying a microneedle device to a skin surface comprising a flexible sheet having a raised central area, a microneedle device attached to the raised central area, a major plane, and a periphery, wherein motion of the raised central area in a direction perpendicular to the major plane of the flexible sheet drives the microneedle device against the skin, and wherein the microneedle device comprises a microneedle array.
18. A device according to claim 17 wherein the microneedle device is releasably attached to the flexible sheet.
19. A device according to claim 17 wherein the microneedle device comprises a skin-contacting adhesive surrounding the microneedle array.
20. A method of using an application device according to claim 17 for applying the microneedle array to a skin surface comprising placing the application device against a skin surface and applying a force to the device sufficient to cause the flexible sheet of the device to change from a convex to a concave orientation with respect to the skin surface, thereby driving the microneedle array against the skin.