A microneedle cartridge is provided comprising a pair of concentric cylinders wherein an inner cylinder supports a microneedle array block and moves up and down an inside cylinder, driven by a central rod which connects the microneedle array to a drive motor. An inner baffle cylinder fits inside the inner cylinder and surrounds the central rod, isolating the microneedle array from the internal cavity of the machine. Fabric gaskets treated with antimicrobial solution are placed at the locations where the inner baffle cylinder meets the inner cylinder and where the inner cylinder meets the outer cylinder. A piston rod cradle at the bottom of the cartridge engages a cup-shaped polymer reciprocating piston rod that interacts with the device motor through a connecting metal piston. A removable, autoclavable metal nosecone covers the cartridge assembly.