Micropenetrator device for penetrating a biological barrier

Abstract

A device that may be placed on a biological barrier can be used to perforate the biological barrier for a variety of purposes such as cosmetic, scar treatment or for the delivery of active agents. A flexible substrate has a first side and a second opposing side and a plurality of micropenetrator arrangements each comprising a head and a first and second projection, for penetrating a biological barrier, extending from the head. The first and second projection at least partially extend through the flexible substrate towards the first side. The head comprises an elongate arm for spacing apart the first and second projections. A force is applied to the second side causing flexing of the flexible substrate and pushing the projections into communication with a biological barrier.

1 - 2 . (canceled) 
     
     
         3 . A device according to  claim 65 , wherein the first and second projections project perpendicular to the head. 
     
     
         4 . A device according to  claim 3 , wherein the first and second projections project from the first side. 
     
     
         5 - 13 . (canceled) 
     
     
         14 . A device according to  claim 65 , wherein where in the substrate comprises silicone rubber. 
     
     
         15 . A device according to  claim 65 , wherein physical properties of the substrate are variable between the first side and second opposing side. 
     
     
         16 . A device according to  claim 65 , wherein the second side of the substrate has a higher level of adhesion than the first side. 
     
     
         17 . A device according to  claim 65 , wherein the second side is concave. 
     
     
         18 . (canceled) 
     
     
         19 . A device according to  claim 65 , wherein at least a portion of the first and/or second projection comprise a curved portion. 
     
     
         20 . A device according to  claim 19 , wherein the curved portion comprises a plurality of repeating curved portions. 
     
     
         21 . A device according to  claim 65 , further comprising a supplementary projection arranged such that at least one of the first and/or second projection are in communication with the supplementary projection for penetration of a biological barrier. 
     
     
         22 . A device according to  claim 21 , wherein the supplementary projection is intertwined with at least one of the first and/or second projection. 
     
     
         23 . A device according to  claim 65 , wherein the first and second projections extend to a penetration tip, at least one of the first and second projections comprise a cavity therein extending to an opening adjacent the tip. 
     
     
         24 - 25 . (canceled) 
     
     
         26 . A device according to  claim 65 , wherein the surface of the first side of the flexible substrate is undulated. 
     
     
         27 - 38 . (canceled) 
     
     
         39 . A device according to  claim 65 , wherein the flexible substrate and supplementary layer comprise different materials. 
     
     
         40 . A device according to  claim 39  wherein the supplementary layer has a thickness which is thicker than a thickness of the substrate layer. 
     
     
         41 . A device according to  claim 39 , wherein the projections extend substantially perpendicular to the substrate. 
     
     
         42 - 64 . (canceled) 
     
     
         65 . A device for penetration of a biological barrier, the device comprising:
 a flexible substrate having a first side and a second opposing side;   a plurality of micropenetrator arrangements each comprising a head and a first and second projection, for penetrating a biological barrier, extending from the head;   wherein a first and second adjacent micropenetrator arrangement are independent of each other;   the first and second projection extending through the second side of the flexible substrate towards the first side of the flexible substrate;   the head of each of the plurality of micropenetrator arrangements comprises an elongate arm spacing apart the first and second projections, the head abutting the second side of the flexible substrate; and   a supplementary layer disposed on the second side of the flexible substrate, the head being encapsulated by the supplementary layer.