Microneedle array, molding for manufacturing a microneedle array, and method for manufacturing a microneedle array
A microneedle array has a plurality of microneedles, said microneedles being supported by a substrate. In order to improve the properties of the microneedle array, the substrate is in the form of a grid structure or comprises a grid structure.
1 . A microneedle array comprising:
a plurality of microneedles; and
a support layer supporting the plurality of microneedles,
wherein the support layer is formed as a grid structure or comprises a grid structure,
wherein the grid structure has a plurality of crossing points, the crossing points being at least partially connected with the plurality of microneedles, and
wherein a material forming the plurality of microneedles surrounds at least one crossing point of the grid structure.
2 . The microneedle array according to claim 1 , wherein the grid structure connects the plurality of microneedles with each other.
3 . The microneedle array according to claim 1 , wherein a plurality of bars of the grid structure are perpendicular to each other.
4 . The microneedle array according to claim 1 , wherein the grid structure is prefabricated.
5 . The microneedle array according to claim 1 , wherein the grid structure is produced by linearly applying a material that essentially comprises PVP.
6 . The microneedle array according to claim 1 , wherein the grid structure has a plurality of fibers which are essentially made from textiles.
7 . The microneedle array according to claim 1 , wherein the grid structure is produced by a material forming the plurality of microneedles.
8 . A molding for manufacturing a microneedle array comprising:
a base body having a plurality of depressions,
wherein a plurality of channels are provided for forming a grid structure on an upper side of the base body, such that the molding yields a microneedle array comprising:
a plurality of microneedles; and
a support layer supporting the plurality of microneedles,
wherein the support layer is formed as a grid structure or comprises a grid structure,
wherein the grid structure has a plurality of crossing points, the crossing points being at least partially connected with the plurality of microneedles, and
wherein a material forming the plurality of microneedles surrounds at least one crossing point of the grid structure.
9 . The molding according to claim 8 , wherein at least one of the plurality of depressions is connected with one of the plurality of channels.
10 . The molding according to claim 8 , wherein at least one of the plurality of depressions is connected with at least one of the plurality of channels.
11 . The molding according to claim 8 , wherein at least one of the plurality of channels connects its neighboring plurality of depressions with each other.
12 . A method for manufacturing a microneedle array, the method comprising the steps of:
metering one or several materials into depressions extending from an upper side of a molding; and
linearly applying a material to the upper side of the molding in order to form a grid structure, such that the method for manufacturing a microneedle array yields a microneedle array comprising:
a plurality of microneedles; and
a support layer supporting the plurality of microneedles,
wherein the support layer is formed as a grid structure or comprises a grid structure,
wherein the grid structure has a plurality of crossing points, the crossing points being at least partially connected with the plurality of microneedles, and
wherein a material forming the plurality of microneedles surrounds at least one crossing point of the grid structure.
13 . The method according to claim 12 , wherein linearly applying the material is realized such that at least a part of one line crosses the depressions provided in the molding.
14 . The method according to claim 12 , wherein linearly applying the material is realized such that at least a part of one nodal point formed by the grid structure is arranged in the area of the depressions.
15 . The microneedle array according to claim 1 , wherein the plurality of microneedles are made of a first material, wherein the first material is located in at least an area of one or more of a tip of each of the plurality of microneedles, wherein the first material comprises an active ingredient, wherein the support layer is made of a second material, and wherein the second material does not comprise the active ingredient of the first material.
16 . The microneedle array according to claim 1 , wherein the grid structure comprises a plurality of bars with spaces between the bars.
17 . The molding according to claim 8 , wherein the plurality of channels comprise crossing points that are at least partially arranged so that the crossing points of the plurality of channels cross in an area of each of the plurality of depressions.