Patent ID: 8709331
Filing Date: 2014-04-29
Classification: B29C,B29L

Abstract:
1. A method of forming an array of microneedle structures in a polymer material, comprising the steps of placing a polymeric material in a mold assembly comprising a mold form having a cavity therein with an inlet opening and an outlet opening in said cavity; forcing a fluid under pressure through said polymeric material thereby causing the polymeric material to assume the shape of the mold form cavity and continuing to force said fluid through the polymer until the fluid material exits from the outlet opening of said cavity, thereby forming a hollow channel through the polymer to define the microneedle structure formed in said cavity, wherein said mold assembly comprises upper and lower manifolds and a support sheet therebetween permitting the fluid under pressure to pass through the lower manifold to the upper manifold while supporting the mold form and polymeric material.