| abstract |
Microneedle devices are provided for delivery of drugs across biological tissue and for controlled sampling of biological fluids in a minimally-invasive, painless, and convenient manner. The devices permit 1) drug delivery at clinically relevant rates across or into skin or other tissue barriers, and/or 2) in vivo sensing or withdrawal of biological fluids from the body, particularly from or through the skin or other tissue barriers. Drug delivery devices preferably include a plurality of hollow microneedles attached to or integrated into a substrate, and at least one reservoir (containing drug) selectably in communication with the microneedles, wherein the amount of drug to be delivered can be selectively altered. Withdrawal or sensing microneedle devices preferably include microneedles attached to or integrated into a substrate, and at least one collection chamber and/or sensor in communication with the microneedles. |