Abstract:
An array of microneedles is provided to apply semi-permanent or permanent markings to skin, or to apply semi-permanent subcutaneous makeup or other cosmetic compounds to skin. The microneedles can apply identifications or other tattoo-like graphics, and will not enter into the dermal layer of the skin so that the application procedure is painless. The microneedle array is also useful for delivering specific compounds or actives into the skin, such as cosmetic compounds or nutrients, or various skin structure modifiers that can be delivered subcutaneously without having to visit a cosmetic surgery clinic.
Abstract:
A microneedle array module is disclosed comprising a multiplicity of microneedles affixed to and protruding outwardly from a front surface of a substrate to form the array, each microneedle of the array having a hollow section which extends through its center to an opening in the tip thereof. The substrate includes an array of holes which align with the hollow sections of the microneedles and extend through the substrate to a back surface thereof, whereby a liquid applied to the back surface of the substrate may be forced through the holes in the substrate and out through the tips of the microneedle array thereof. In one embodiment, the substrate includes a reservoir well in the back surface thereof. The well extends over the array of holes in the back surface and may be covered by a layer of material which is affixed to the back surface peripheral the well, the layer including an interconnecting passageway to the well. A method of fabricating the microneedle array module is also disclosed comprising the steps of: providing etch resistant mask layers to one and another opposite surfaces of a substrate to predetermined thicknesses; patterning the etch resistant mask layer of the one surface for outer dimensions of the microneedles of the array; patterning the etch resistant mask layer of the other surface for inner dimensions of the microneedles of the array; etching unmasked portions of the substrate from one and the other surfaces to first and second predetermined depths, respectively; and removing the mask layers from the one and the other surfaces. One embodiment of the method includes the steps of: providing an etch resistant mask layer to the other surface of the substrate to a predetermined thickness; patterning the etch resistant mask layer of the other surface to define a reservoir region in the substrate; and etching away the unmasked reservoir region of the substrate to form a reservoir well in the other surface of the substrate. A layer of material may be provided to the other surface to enclose the reservoir well and a passageway is provided through the layer to the well region.
Abstract:
A microneedle array is manufactured using a mold preparation procedure that begins by placing an optical mask over a layer of PMMA material, exposing the PMMA material to x-rays, then developing using a photoresist process. The remaining PMMA material is then electroplated with metal. Once the metal has reached an appropriate thickness, it is detached to become a metal mold that is used in a microembossing procedure, in which the metal mold is pressed against a heated layer of plastic material. Once the mold is pressed down to its proper distance, the plastic material is cooled until solidified, and the mold is then detached, thereby leaving behind an array of microneedles.
Abstract:
A method of manufacturing a plurality of neural probes from a silicon wafer in which after neural probes are formed on one side of a silicon wafer, the other side of the silicon wafter is subject to a dicing process that separates and adjusts the thickness of the neural probes.
Abstract:
Methods for mass production of new microfluidic devices are described. The microfluidic devices may include an array of micro-needles with open channels in fluid communication with multiple reservoirs located within a substrate that supports the micro-needles. The micro-needles are configured so as to sufficiently penetrate the skin in order to collect or sample bodily fluids and transfer the fluids to the reservoirs. The micro-needles may also deliver medicaments into or below the skin.
Abstract:
A method for manufacturing a hollow needle-shaped body includes producing a needle-shaped body having a substrate and a projection on a first surface of the substrate, and applying a laser beam to a second surface of the substrate opposite to the first surface such that a through hole that penetrates through the substrate and the projection is formed. The substrate and the projection are comprised of crystallized polyglycolic acid.
Abstract:
A method of producing projections on a patch including providing a mask on a substrate and etching the substrate using an etchant and a passivant to thereby control the etching process and form the projections, wherein the passivant does not include oxygen.
Abstract:
A method for fabricating a three-dimensional integrated circuit device includes providing a first substrate having a first crystal orientation, forming at least one or more PMOS devices overlying the first substrate, and forming a first dielectric layer overlying the one or more PMOS devices. The method also includes providing a second substrate having a second crystal orientation, forming at least one or more NMOS devices overlying the second substrate, and forming a second dielectric layer overlying the one or more NMOS devices. The method further includes coupling the first dielectric layer to the second dielectric layer to form a hybrid structure including the first substrate overlying the second substrate.
Abstract:
Out-of-plane microneedle manufacturing process comprising the simultaneous creation of a network of microneedles and the creation of a polygonal shaped hat (2) above each microneedle (1) under formation, said process comprising the following steps: providing bridges (3) between the hats (3), maintaining the bridges (3) during the remaining microneedle manufacturing steps, removing the bridges (3), together with the hats (2), when the microneedles (1) are formed.
Abstract:
A micromachined tube (microtube) suitable for microfluidic devices. The microtube is formed by isotropically etching a surface of a first substrate to define therein a channel having an arcuate cross-sectional profile, and forming a substrate structure by bonding the first substrate to a second substrate so that the second substrate overlies and encloses the channel to define a passage having a cross-sectional profile of which at least half is arcuate. The substrate structure is thinned to define the microtube and walls thereof that surround the passage.