Patent ID: 8888757
Filing Date: 2014-11-18
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
1. An active microneedle array for penetrating an outer layer of an epidermis, comprising: a base having first and second sides, the first side engageable with the epidermis; and a microneedle projecting from the first side of the base and including first and second flexible sidewalls terminating corresponding apexes, the apexes of the first and second sidewalls of the microneedle moveable along an axis generally parallel to the base between a first initial configuration wherein the first and second sidewalls define a flowpath therebetween and a second deformed configuration wherein the first and second sidewalls are adjacent in response to engagement with the epidermis so as to facilitate the penetration of the outer layer by the microneedle, wherein: the microneedle has an elasticity, the elasticity urging the apexes of the first and second sidewalls of the microneedle towards the initial configuration after the penetration of the outer layer so as to form an opening in the outer layer.