SANDWICHED BIODEGRADABLE MICRONEEDLE
A microneedle device for delivering therapeutic ingredients to the dermis or epidermis. The device contains biodegradable microneedles, which extend from a backing, and are sandwiched between a cap film and a film which is coextensive with the tips of the microneedles and the spaces on the backing between the microneedles.
1 - 12 . (canceled)
13 . A microneedle device, comprising:
a) a cap having an upper surface and a lower surface;
b) a backing having an upper surface and a lower surface, wherein said upper surface of said backing contacts said lower surface of said cap;
c) a plurality of microneedles projecting from said lower surface of said backing, wherein said lower surface of said backing comprises a plurality of spaces between said plurality of microneedles; and
d) a film covering said plurality of spaces and said plurality of microneedles, wherein said film does not comprise bioactive agents.
14 . The method of claim 13 , wherein said plurality of microneedles comprise an active pharmaceutical ingredient.
15 . The method of claim 13 , wherein said plurality of microneedles comprise one or more agents selected from the group consisting of whole stem cells, stem cell factors, retinoic acid, botulinum toxin, and minoxidil.
16 . The method of claim 15 , wherein at least one of said whole stem cells and said stem cell factors are preserved.
17 . The microneedle device of claim 13 , wherein said plurality of microneedles comprise a polymeric blend of one or more agents selected from the group consisting of preserved stem cells and preserved stem cell factors.
18 . The microneedle device of claim 13 , wherein said plurality of microneedles comprise at least one of hyaluronic acid and conotoxin.
19 . The microneedle device of claim 13 , wherein said plurality of microneedles are biodegradable.
20 . The microneedle device of claim 13 , wherein said film is a biocompatible material.
21 . The microneedle device of claim 13 , wherein said a plurality of microneedles are configured to be positioned in the dermis.
22 . The microneedle device of claim 13 , wherein said a plurality of microneedles are configured to be positioned in the epidermis.
23 . The microneedle device of claim 13 , wherein said plurality of spaces are planar.