JP2014045823A - Bioelectrode, method for manufacturing the same and iontophoresis device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a bioelectrode in which electric connection between the electrodes can be secured and besides the cost of which can be reduced, and to provide a method for manufacturing the bioelectrode.SOLUTION: A bioelectrode has: a base material 2; a first electrode 6 and a second electrode 7 which are provided in the base material 2; a connection wiring part 4 which is provided in the base material 2, is integrally provided in the first electrode 6, and electrically connects the first electrode 6 and the second electrode 7; a connection part 5 which is provided in the base material 2, is integrally provided in the connection wiring part 4, and is covered with a part or a whole of the second electrode 7; and an insulator 8 for covering the connection wiring part 4. The bioelectrode may be configured in such a manner that the first electrode 6, the connection wiring part 4, and the connection part 5 are integrally provided using the same material, a width of the connection wiring part 4 is narrower than that of the first electrode 6, and the connection part 5 is covered with a part of the second electrode 7, or the bioelectrode may be configured in such a manner that the first electrode 6, the connection wiring part 4, and the connection part 5 are integrally provided using the same material, and the connection part 5 is covered with the whole second electrode 7.

Description

  The present invention relates to a biological electrode used for iontophoresis, a method for producing the same, and an iontophoresis device.

  Iontophoresis (IONTOPHORESIS) is a method that mainly promotes permeation of ionic drugs through biological membranes using electric energy, and is used for the purpose of promoting percutaneous absorption of drugs. Specifically, a sheet-like biological electrode to which a pair of electrodes are electrically connected is bonded to the skin via an ionic drug, and a minute current is passed between the pair of electrodes to generate charged ions. This is a technique that penetrates sex medicine into the skin.

  As such an iontophoresis device, Patent Document 1 discloses the generation of power by utilizing the surface potential difference between two different parts of the body surface of an organism and the ionization tendency between the electrolyte on the body surface and the electrode. There has been proposed an iontophoresis device that introduces an active component, which is a miniaturized device using the generated power, from the body surface into the body. According to this technology, it is said that an iontophoresis device that is inexpensive, easy to use, safe, effective, compact, portable, and disposable can be provided.

  Patent Document 2 discloses a therapeutic drug delivery system by transdermal iontophoresis provided with a plurality of self-contained series-connected galvanic power supplies, each of which includes a plurality of galvanic species including an oxidizable species and a reducible species. A oxidizable species in contact with the first delivery chamber for the therapeutic agent, and a reducible species in contact with the second delivery chamber for the therapeutic agent. A therapeutic drug delivery system comprising a conductor connecting the plurality of galvanic power supplies in series such that an overall galvanic potential of the transdermal iontophoretic delivery system is the sum of the active drug galvanic power supplies. Proposed. Furthermore, it is described that one or more of the galvanic power supplies have screen printed electrodes, the oxidizable species is selected from Mg and Zn, and the reducible species is AgCl.

  Patent Document 3 discloses a metal electrode having a higher standard unipolar potential that is in conductive contact with the back surface of a conductive matrix containing an ionic permeation agent, and a semiconductor having a lower standard unipolar potential that is conductively connected to the metal electrode. There has been proposed an element for transdermal administration comprising an electrode and simultaneously skin-contacting the semiconductor electrode and a conductive matrix containing the ionic permeation drug.

JP 2009-195650 A WO2001 / 049365 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 3-16573

  In the above-described conventional living body electrode, a pair of electrodes are connected by a conductive wire (also referred to as a jumper wire). However, such conductive wires must be provided separately from the electrodes, complicating the connection structure of the electrodes constituting the biomedical electrode. Further, since a process for connecting the conductive wire and the electrode is required, there is a problem that the number of processes increases and the manufacturing cost increases.

  The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a biological electrode having a structural form capable of realizing a reduction in manufacturing cost while ensuring electrical connection between the electrodes, And a manufacturing method thereof. Another object of the present invention is to provide an iontophoresis device having such a biological electrode.

  (1) A biological electrode according to the present invention for solving the above-mentioned problems is provided with a base material, a first electrode and a second electrode provided on the base material, and the first electrode while being provided on the base material. And a connection wiring portion that electrically connects the first electrode and the second electrode, and is provided on the base material and provided integrally with the connection wiring portion. It has the connection part covered by the part or all, and the insulator which covers the said connection wiring part, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.

  In the biological electrode according to the present invention, the first electrode, the connection wiring portion, and the connection portion are integrally formed of the same material, and the width of the connection wiring portion is narrower than the width of the first electrode, You may comprise so that a connection part may be covered with a part of said 2nd electrode.

  In the biomedical electrode according to the present invention, the first electrode, the connection wiring portion, and the connection portion are integrally provided with the same material, and the connection portion is covered with the entire second electrode. May be.

  The biological electrode according to the present invention may include two or more connection wiring portions extending in different directions from the first electrode, and the connection portion may be one of the two or more second electrodes respectively provided in the direction. It may be covered with a part or all.

  In the biological electrode according to the present invention, one of the first electrode and the second electrode may be provided with a noble metal, and the other may be provided with a zinc oxide or a semiconductor containing zinc.

  (2) The manufacturing method of the biomedical electrode according to the present invention for solving the above problems includes a step of preparing a base material, and a step of integrally forming a first electrode, a connection wiring portion, and a connection portion on the base material. And a step of forming a second electrode that covers part or all of the connection portion, and a step of forming an insulator that covers the connection wiring portion.

  In the method for manufacturing a biomedical electrode according to the present invention, in the step of integrally forming the first electrode, the connection wiring portion, and the connection portion, the first electrode, the connection wiring portion, and the connection portion are simultaneously formed in a predetermined pattern. Or forming the first electrode, the connection wiring portion, and the connection portion in a predetermined pattern after forming the first electrode, the connection wiring portion, and the connection portion at the same time, and making the connection wiring portion and the connection portion narrower than the width of the first electrode. May be formed.

  The biological electrode manufacturing method according to the present invention includes forming the first electrode, the connection wiring portion, and the connection portion integrally in the step of integrally forming the first electrode, the connection wiring portion, and the connection portion. In the step of forming the second electrode without forming the first electrode, the connection wiring portion, and the connection portion in a predetermined pattern, the second electrode may be formed in a predetermined pattern.

  (3) An iontophoresis device according to the present invention for solving the above-described problems includes the above-described biological electrode according to the present invention, and covers the first electrode and the second electrode constituting the biological electrode. Is provided with a medicine.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the biological electrode which can implement | achieve reduction of manufacturing cost, ensuring the electrical connection between electrodes, and its manufacturing method can be provided.

It is the typical top view (A) and sectional view (B) which show an example of the living body electrode concerning the present invention. It is the typical top view (A) and sectional drawing (B) which show another example of the biomedical electrode which concerns on this invention. It is the typical top view (A) and sectional drawing (B) which show another example of the biomedical electrode which concerns on this invention. It is the typical top view (A) and sectional drawing (B) which show another example of the biomedical electrode which concerns on this invention. It is the typical top view (A) and sectional drawing (B) which show another example of the biomedical electrode which concerns on this invention. It is the typical top view (A) and sectional drawing (B) which show another example of the biomedical electrode which concerns on this invention. 1 is a principle diagram of an iontophoresis device according to the present invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the manufacturing process (the 1) of the biomedical electrode (1st Embodiment) which concerns on this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the manufacturing process (the 2) of the bioelectrode (1st Embodiment) which concerns on this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the manufacturing process (the 1) of the biomedical electrode (2nd Embodiment) which concerns on this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the manufacturing process (the 2) of the bioelectrode (2nd Embodiment) which concerns on this invention.

  Hereinafter, a biomedical electrode, a manufacturing method thereof, and an iontophoresis device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, this invention is not limited to the following forms within the range including the technical idea.

[Biological electrode and method for producing the same]
As shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, the biological electrode 1 (1 </ b> A to 1 </ b> F) according to the present invention includes a base material 2, a first electrode 6 and a second electrode 7 provided on the base material 2, and a base material. 2 and provided integrally with the first electrode 6, and electrically connected to the first electrode 6 and the second electrode 7, and provided with the base material 2 and integrally formed with the connection wiring portion 4. And a connection portion 5 that is covered with a part or all of the second electrode 7 and an insulator 8 that covers the connection wiring portion 4.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the biological electrode 1 includes a first electrode 6, a connection wiring portion 4, and a connection portion 5 that are integrally formed of the same material, and the width of the connection wiring portion 4 is the first electrode. The connection portion 5 may be covered with a part of the second electrode 7, and the first electrode 6, the connection wiring portion 4, and the like, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. The connection part 5 may be integrally formed of the same material, and the connection part 5 may be covered with the entire second electrode 7.

  The biomedical electrode 1 according to the present invention can be manufactured by the manufacturing process of the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the manufacturing process of the second embodiment shown in FIGS. Specifically, a step of preparing the base material 2 (FIGS. 8A and 10A) and a step of integrally forming the first electrode 6, the connection wiring portion 4 and the connection portion 5 on the base material 2. (FIGS. 8 (B) to (D) and FIG. 10 (B)) and a step of forming the second electrode 7 that covers part or all of the connecting portion 5 (FIGS. 9A to 9C and FIG. 10). (C) (D), FIG. 11 (A)), and the process (FIG. 9 (D) and FIG. 11 (B)) of forming the insulator 8 which covers the connection wiring part 4.

  In such a biomedical electrode 1, since the connection wiring portion 4 for electrically connecting the first electrode 6 and the second electrode 7 is integrally formed with the first electrode 6, the first electrode 6 and the connection wiring portion are formed. 4 is the same material and is provided together (integrally) at the same time. As a result, since the connection wiring portion 4 is not provided with a structure form provided separately from the first electrode 6, the connection structure between the connection wiring portion 4 and the first electrode 6 can be further simplified as compared with the prior art. Moreover, since the connection part 5 electrically connected to the second electrode 7 in the connection wiring part 4 is covered with a part or all of the second electrode 7, the electrical connection between the second electrode 7 and the connection wiring part 4 is performed. A simple connection structure can also be simplified as compared with the prior art. Since these connection structures 4 have a simple structure, it is possible to simplify the manufacturing process and reduce the number of steps. As a result, the biomedical electrode 1 according to the present invention can secure the connection between the first electrode 6 and the second electrode 7 by the connection wiring portion 4 formed together (integrally) with the first electrode 6, and the manufacturing cost. It can be said that it has a structure that can realize the reduction of the above.

<Each aspect>
The biological electrode 1 according to the present invention will be specifically described based on the structural forms of the six biological electrodes 1A to 1F shown in FIGS. In the specification of the present application, “on” means being provided directly or via another layer, and “covering” is provided on itself, It means that it is also provided around itself. In addition, directions such as “upward” and “downward” represent directions with reference to the plan view.

(Biomedical electrode 1A shown in FIG. 1)
A biological electrode 1 </ b> A shown in FIG. 1 includes a first electrode 6 provided on a base material 2 and a second electrode 7 provided on the base material 2 via a connection wiring portion 4. . The connection wiring part 4 is provided integrally with the first electrode 6, and is preferably provided simultaneously and seamlessly with the same material. Further, the connection wiring portion 4 is formed with a width narrower than the width of the first electrode 6. The connection part 5 on the second electrode side in the connection wiring part 4 is covered with a part of the second electrode 7 and is in direct contact with the second electrode 7. Note that the second electrode 7 other than the portion covering the connection portion 5 is provided on the base material 2 in the same manner as the first electrode 6. The insulator 8 is provided so as to cover the connection wiring portion 4 that connects the first electrode 6 and the second electrode 7. That is, the insulator 8 is provided so as to cover all of the connection wiring portion 4, and to protrude from a part on the first electrode 6 side and a part on the second electrode 7 side, and further protrudes on the substrate 2. Is provided.

  In this biological electrode 1A, since the connection wiring part 4 is provided with a narrower width than the first electrode 6, the connection wiring part 4 with a narrow width can be easily formed by a pattern forming means using etching or the like. As a result, it can be said that it has a structure that can realize a reduction in manufacturing cost. Further, since the width of the connection wiring portion 4 is narrow, the resistance value of the connection wiring portion 4 can be increased. Therefore, since the current flowing between the first electrode 6 and the second electrode 7 can be suppressed, it can be preferably used when, for example, the drug penetrates into the skin of a delicate portion where a weak current is required.

(Biological electrode 1B shown in FIG. 2)
The biological electrode 1B shown in FIG. 2 is connected to the second electrode 7 while the connection wiring portion 4 extends in one direction (left direction) from the first electrode 6 in the aspect shown in FIG. The connection wiring part 4 is characterized in that it extends from the first electrode 6 in two different directions, the right direction and the left direction, and is electrically connected to the second electrodes 7 and 7 disposed at the extended ends. Therefore, the second electrodes 7 and 7 are spaced apart in different directions across the first electrode 6. Note that the extending direction of the connection wiring portion 4 does not have to be the right direction and the left direction shown in FIG. 2 as long as they are different directions, the right direction and the downward direction, the right direction and the upward direction, the left direction and the upward direction, It may be a direction and a downward direction, or may be combined with other oblique directions. Further, it may be three different directions such as an upper right direction, an upper left direction, and a lower direction, or four or more directions. Each component other than these is the same as the aspect of FIG.

  In the biological electrode 1B, since the second electrodes 7 and 7 are provided in two different directions (for example, the left direction and the right direction), the first electrode 6 is directed to the left and right second electrodes 7 and 7, respectively. The flow of ions or the flow of ions from the left and right second electrodes 7 and 7 toward the first electrode 6 occurs. As a result, the flow of ions in the skin does not concentrate on a part of the skin, and the flow of ions can be generated in a wide range, and the drug can penetrate into the wide range.

(Electrode for living body 1C shown in FIG. 3)
The biological electrode 1C shown in FIG. 3 has a connection wiring portion 4 formed with a width narrower than the width of the first electrode 6 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, whereas the first electrode 6 and the connection wiring portion 4 Are preferably provided integrally, and are preferably formed of the same material as a single piece without any joints, and are provided in a solid state at the same time, and the connection portion 5 is covered with the entire second electrode 7. That is, the first electrode 6, the connection wiring portion 4, and the connection portion 5 (a part of the connection wiring portion 4) are all seamlessly formed of the same material and are provided with the second electrode 7. Is the connection part 5. Since the base material 2 is not exposed in the biological electrode 1C, the insulator 8 that covers the connection wiring portion 4 is not in contact with the base material. Each component other than these points is the same as the embodiment of FIG.

  In this biological electrode 1C, it can be said that the connection wiring portion 4 has a structure form that eliminates the need for pattern forming means such as etching and can realize a reduction in manufacturing cost. Further, since the connection portion 5 is covered with the entire second electrode 7, the second electrode 7 is formed in a solid shape on the connection wiring portion 4 including the connection portion 5, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost. It can be said that it has a simple structure form that can be realized. Moreover, since the connection wiring part 4 is not patterned, for example, the resistance value can be lowered to increase the flowing current. As a result, the drug can penetrate more effectively into the skin.

(Biological electrode 1D shown in FIG. 4)
The living body electrode 1D shown in FIG. 4 is connected to the second electrode 7 with the connection wiring portion 4 extending in one direction (left direction) from the first electrode 6 in the embodiment shown in FIG. Similar to FIG. 2, the connection wiring portion 4 extends from the first electrode 6 in two different directions, the right direction and the left direction, and is electrically connected to the second electrodes 7 and 7 disposed at the extended ends. There is a feature. Therefore, the second electrodes 7 and 7 are spaced apart in different directions across the first electrode 6. Note that the extending direction of the connection wiring portion 4 does not have to be the right direction and the left direction shown in FIG. 4 as long as the directions are different, but the right direction and the downward direction, the right direction and the upward direction, the left direction and the upward direction, It may be a direction and a downward direction, or may be combined with other oblique directions. Further, it may be three different directions such as an upper right direction, an upper left direction, and a lower direction, or four or more directions. Each component other than these points is the same as the aspect of FIG.

  In this biological electrode 1D, two second electrodes 7 and 7 are provided in different directions (left direction and right direction), so that ions directed from the first electrode 6 to the left and right second electrodes 7 and 7 respectively. Or the flow of ions from the left and right second electrodes 7 and 7 toward the first electrode 6 occurs. As a result, the flow of ions in the skin does not concentrate on a part of the skin, and the flow of ions can be generated in a wide range, and the drug can penetrate into the wide range.

(Bioelectric electrode 1E shown in FIG. 5)
A biological electrode 1E shown in FIG. 5 is formed by separating a plurality of second electrodes 7 so that the first electrodes 6 have a lattice shape. Specifically, the first electrode 6 and the connection wiring portion 4 are integrally provided, and are preferably provided with the same material as a single piece without any joints at the same time, and further on the plurality of second electrodes. 7 are provided at predetermined intervals in the vertical and horizontal directions. A portion where the second electrode 7 is provided is a connection portion 5. In other words, in the biomedical electrode 1E, the connection wiring portion 4 extends from the first electrode 6 in four different directions, that is, upper right, upper left, lower right, and lower left, and is disposed at the extended tip. The second electrodes 7 and 7 are electrically connected. The second electrodes 7 and 7 are provided to be separated in four different directions across the first electrode 6. As a result, the first electrode 6 is formed in a lattice shape vertically and horizontally in the form of FIG. Moreover, since the base material 2 is not exposed, the insulator 8 covering the connection wiring portion 4 is not in contact with the base material 2. A portion where the insulator 8 is provided and a portion where the second electrode 7 is provided are the connection wiring portion 4. Each component other than these points is the same as the embodiment shown in FIGS.

  In the biological electrode 1E, the first electrode 6 is provided in a lattice shape in the plan view of FIG. 5A, and a plurality of second electrodes 7 are arranged between the lattice-shaped first electrodes 6. Therefore, when these structural forms are used in an iontophoresis device, the flow of ions in the skin occurs in a wide range without being concentrated, so that the drug penetrates a wider range in the skin. be able to.

(Bioelectric electrode 1F shown in FIG. 6)
The biological electrode 1F shown in FIG. 6 has a plurality of second electrodes 7 provided apart from each other in the form shown in FIG. 5 so that the first electrodes 6 have a lattice shape, whereas the second electrode 7 itself. Is provided in a lattice pattern. That is, the second electrodes 7 are provided in a lattice shape so that the plurality of first electrodes 6 are separated from each other. Specifically, the first electrode 6 and the connection wiring portion 4 are integrally provided, preferably the same material is provided integrally and seamlessly at the same time in a solid shape, and further, the second electrode 7 is provided thereon. A pattern is formed so as to extend vertically and horizontally to form a lattice. A portion where the second electrode 7 is provided is a connection portion 5. In other words, in this biological electrode 1F, the connection wiring portion 4 extends from the first electrode 6 in four different directions, upper, upper, right, and left, and is electrically connected to the second electrode 7 disposed at the extended end. Connected to. The first electrode 6 is sandwiched between the second electrodes 7 in four different directions. As a result, the second electrode 7 is formed vertically and horizontally in the form of a lattice in the plan view of FIG. Moreover, since the base material 2 is not exposed, the insulator 8 covering the connection wiring portion 4 is not in contact with the base material 2. A portion where the insulator 8 is provided and a portion where the second electrode 7 is provided are the connection wiring portion 4. Each component other than these points is the same as the embodiment shown in FIGS.

  The biological electrode 1F includes a plurality of first electrodes 6 so that the second electrodes 7 are provided in a lattice shape in a plan view of FIG. 6A and are sandwiched between the second electrodes 7 in a lattice shape. Since the flow of ions in the skin occurs in a wide area without being concentrated when such a structural form is used in an iontophoresis device, the drug is spread over a wider area in the skin. Can penetrate.

<Each component>
Hereinafter, each process is also demonstrated, demonstrating each component of the bioelectrode 1 (1A-1F).

(Base material)
If the base material 2 is an insulating base material, it will not specifically limit, A plastic film, paper, etc. can be used. The flexible base material 2 is more preferable, and the living body electrode 1 can be attached in a manner that follows the surface form of a human or animal body. Preferred examples of plastic films include resin films such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, polymethacrylate, polymethyl methacrylate, polymethyl acrylate, polyester, and polycarbonate. Of these, polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene synthetic paper, and the like are preferable. Polypropylene-based synthetic paper is film synthetic paper made mainly of polypropylene, and examples thereof include YUPO (registered trademark).

  Examples of materials other than plastic films include art paper, non-woven fabric, and silicon rubber. In addition, it is preferable to use a thin paper with a gap, such as a nonwoven fabric, with a gap filled with a filling material or the like.

  The thickness of the base material 2 varies depending on the material and cannot be generally specified. However, in the case of a plastic film, a thickness of 3 μm or more and 200 μm or less can be preferably used. In addition, in YUPO (registered trademark), art paper, nonwoven fabric, etc., those having a size of 100 μm or more and 2000 μm or less can be preferably used. In addition, the shape of the base material 2 may be a sheet shape having a predetermined size, or may be a long sheet base material wound in a roll shape.

  Although not shown, a primer layer can be provided on the substrate 2. This primer layer is provided on the substrate 2 as a base layer for the first electrode 6. The primer layer is a lift-off film 9 (for example, FIG. 8B) for patterning the first conductive layer 6 ′ (for example, FIG. 8C) constituting the first electrode 6 and the connection wiring portion 4. ) Is preferably used to improve the adhesion. In addition, by forming the first conductive layer 6 ′ and the second conductive layer 7 ′ on the primer layer, the adhesion between the formed first conductive layer 6 ′ and the second conductive layer 7 ′ can be improved. it can. As a result, the first conductive layer 6 ′ and the second conductive layer 7 ′ can be prevented from being peeled off, and the first conductive layer 6 ′ and the second conductive layer 7 ′ can be accurately patterned to form the first pattern of the first pattern. The electrode 6 and the second electrode 7 can be formed very effectively.

  The primer layer may be provided on the entire surface of the substrate 2 or may be provided only in a region where the first electrode 6 and the second electrode 7 are formed. The material for forming the primer layer is not particularly limited as long as it is a general primer resin capable of improving the adhesion between the first conductive layer 6 ′ and the second conductive layer 7 ′. For example, a two-component reactive primer resin is applied by various application methods and reacted at a predetermined temperature to form a primer layer. Such a primer layer can improve adhesion between the first conductive layer 6 ′ and the second conductive layer 7 ′. Although the thickness of a primer layer is not specifically limited, For example, it can be set as 1 micrometer or more and 5 micrometers or less.

  Although the adhesion between the first conductive layer 6 ′ and the second conductive layer 7 ′ and the primer layer has been described, the adhesion can be improved by the primer layer by a PVD method such as an evaporation method or a CVD method. The conductive layer may be a conductive layer formed by other means.

(First electrode and connection wiring part)
The 1st electrode 6 and the connection wiring part 4 are provided on the base material 2 or the primer layer provided on the base material 2 as needed. The first electrode 6 only needs to have a potential difference that generates an electromotive force with the second electrode 7, and various constituent materials can be applied depending on the type of the second electrode 7. The connection wiring part 4 is provided integrally with the first electrode 6, and is preferably provided simultaneously and seamlessly with the same material. This connection wiring part 4 is a part which connects the 1st electrode 6 and the 2nd electrode 7, and is a part covered with the insulator 8 mentioned later. The first electrode 6 and the connection wiring portion 4 are constituted by a first conductive layer 6 ′ provided on the base material 2, and may be patterned as necessary as shown in FIGS. And as shown in FIG. 4, it does not form a pattern, but is comprised with the whole solid shape.

  The constituent material of the first electrode 6 and the connection wiring portion 4 may be a noble metal or a zinc oxide or a semiconductor containing zinc. Examples of the noble metal include silver, gold, copper, palladium, rhodium, and alloys thereof. When the constituent material is a noble metal, the resistance value of the connection wiring portion 4 that electrically connects the first electrode 6 and the second electrode 7 can be reduced. As a result, the first electrode 6 and the second electrode 7 can be reduced. There is an advantage that the current flowing between the two can be increased. Among them, silver is preferable, and it can be made inexpensive and electrochemically stable, which is advantageous in terms of cost reduction and reliability of the biological electrode 1. In addition, the first electrode 6 formed of silver has stable electrode characteristics even when it is in contact with, for example, the drug gel 10 containing chloride ions. Also, gold is advantageous in terms of lowering resistance and reliability because it is excellent in conductivity and electrochemically stable among noble metals. On the other hand, when the constituent material is an oxide of zinc or a semiconductor containing zinc, the material is inexpensive and can contribute to the cost reduction of the biological electrode 1. Examples of zinc oxide include zinc oxide (ZnO) and the like, and examples of the semiconductor containing zinc include InGaZnO-based oxide semiconductor (IGZO semiconductor) and the like.

  The first electrode 6 and the connection wiring portion 4 formed of the above-described constituent materials may be formed by a PVD method or a CVD method such as a vapor deposition method, a reactive sputtering method, or an ion plating method, It may be formed by other means. For example, a conductive layer (for example, a metal deposited layer) formed by a vacuum deposition method may be used, or a conductive layer (for example, a conductive paste layer) formed by a flexographic printing method, a gravure printing method, an ink jet printing method, or a screen printing method. It may be a conductive layer formed by applying a conductive material containing a metal material and a resin binder, followed by heating and baking or curing.

  The first electrode 6 and the connection wiring portion 4 may be formed by directly providing such a conductive layer (referred to as a first conductive layer 6 ′) in a predetermined pattern. For example, as shown in FIGS. One conductive layer 6 ′ may be formed in a predetermined pattern. Examples of the method of directly providing the first electrode 6 and the connection wiring portion 4 in a predetermined pattern include vapor deposition means using a mask, pattern printing means using a conductive paste or conductive ink, and the like. Examples of a method for forming the first electrode 6 and the connection wiring portion 4 with a predetermined pattern include an etching method and a method using the lift-off film 9.

  The pattern forming means by the etching method forms the first conductive layer 6 ′ in a solid form on the substrate 2, forms a mask pattern thereon, and removes the first conductive layer 6 ′ exposed from the mask pattern as an etching solution. It can be performed by processing with.

  The pattern forming means using the lift-off film 9 forms a lift-off film 9 having a predetermined pattern on the substrate 2 as shown in FIGS. 8B to 8D, for example (FIG. 8B). The first conductive layer 6 ′ is formed in a solid shape so as to cover it (FIG. 8C), and then the first conductive layer 6 ′ placed on the lift-off film 9 is replaced with the lift-off film 9. It can be performed by removing (FIG. 8D) or the like. The remaining first conductive layer 6 ′ constitutes the first electrode 6 and the connection wiring portion 4.

  In the case where the lift-off film 9 is formed of a negative photosensitive resin composition, the photosensitive resin composition is formed and then exposed through an exposure mask, and the portion not exposed to light is easily peeled off with a developer. The part that was exposed to light remains. The remaining film becomes the lift-off film 9 for patterning the first conductive layer 6 ′ to be subsequently formed. The lift-off film 9 made of a water-soluble resin can be washed away with water, and the first conductive layer 6 ′ on the lift-off film 9 can be easily lifted off. The lift-off film 9 is formed by applying, for example, a water-soluble resin, which is a photosensitive resin composition, by various application methods and applying a predetermined temperature. The thickness of the lift-off film 9 is not particularly limited, but can be, for example, 1 μm or more and 5 μm or less. The film to be lifted off by the lift-off film 9 may be the first conductive layer 6 ′ formed by vapor deposition or the first conductive layer 6 ′ formed by a conductive paste.

  As described above, the primer layer is preferably provided as a lower layer of the lift-off film 9, and the adhesiveness of the lift-off film 9 on the base material 2 is improved to improve the pattern accuracy. The adhesion between the first electrode 6 and the connection wiring portion 4 can be improved. As a result, the pattern formation of the first electrode 6 and the connection wiring portion 4 using the lift-off film 9 can be performed with high accuracy.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the first electrode 6 and the connection wiring portion 4 may be formed on the entire surface of the substrate 2 in a solid form, for example, without forming a pattern. As the formation method, the first conductive layer 6 ′ can be formed in a solid form on the substrate by vapor deposition or various printing methods. By forming the first electrode 6 and the connection wiring portion 4 in a solid shape, a significant cost reduction can be achieved as compared with the case of pattern formation.

  Although the thickness of the first electrode 6 and the connection wiring part 4 varies depending on the constituent materials and film forming means, it cannot be generally stated, but the first electrode 6 and the connection wiring part 4 made of a metal thin film or a compound thin film are formed by vapor deposition. When it does, it can be in the range of 10 nm or more and 300 nm or less, for example. Moreover, when forming the 1st electrode 6 and the connection wiring part 4 with an electrically conductive paste, it can be in the range of 5 micrometers or more and 15 micrometers or less, for example. In particular, when formed by vapor deposition, the thin first electrode 6 and the connection wiring portion 4 can be formed, and the material cost can be greatly reduced. The effect is large when using a noble metal with a high material unit price. Moreover, when forming by vacuum deposition, since the thermal load with respect to the base material 2 can be reduced, there exists an advantage that a wrinkle and a distortion are not produced in the thin flexible base material 2, for example.

  The planar view shape of the first electrode 6 may be, for example, a square such as a quadrangle as shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, a circle or an ellipse, or a combination of them. May be. Further, the planar view shape of the first electrode 6 may be a lattice shape as shown in FIG. 5 or a shape in which window portions as shown in FIG. 6 are arranged at equal intervals. By making the shape of the first electrode 6 in plan view a lattice shape or a shape having a window portion, it is possible to improve the retention of the drug gel 10 subsequently provided on the biomedical electrode 1, and the skin 21 of the drug gel 10. Permeation to (biological membrane) can be further promoted. The size of the window and the size of the lattice-shaped opening can be arbitrarily designed.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the first electrode 6 is connected to the second electrode 7 via a wiring 12 composed of a connection wiring portion 4 (including the connection portion 5). Since an electromotive force is generated between the first electrode 6 and the second electrode 7, a self-power generation circuit is formed by the wiring 12, and a self-power generation type iontophoresis device can be configured.

(Second electrode)
The second electrode 7 is provided apart from the first electrode 6, and is electrically connected to the first electrode 6 through the connection wiring portion 4 (including the connection portion 5). The second electrode 7 and the connection wiring part 4 are electrically connected when the second electrode 7 contacts the connection part 5.

  Similarly to the first electrode 6, the second electrode 7 may have any potential difference that generates an electromotive force with the first electrode 6, and various constituent materials may be applied depending on the type of the first electrode 6. it can. Like the first electrode 6, the constituent material of the second electrode 7 may be a noble metal, a zinc oxide, or a semiconductor containing zinc. Examples of the noble metal include silver, gold, copper, palladium, rhodium, and alloys thereof. When the first electrode 6 is made of a noble metal, the second electrode 7 is made of zinc oxide or a semiconductor containing zinc, and the first electrode 6 is made of zinc oxide or a semiconductor containing zinc. In this case, the second electrode 7 is made of a noble metal. When the second electrode 7 is formed of a noble metal, there is an advantage that the glossiness of the appearance is improved. Of the noble metals, silver is preferable, and can be made inexpensive and electrochemically stable, which is advantageous in terms of cost reduction and reliability of the bioelectrode 1. The second electrode 7 made of silver has stable electrode characteristics even when it is in contact with the drug gel 10 containing chloride ions, for example. Further, gold is superior in conductivity among noble metals, is electrochemically stable, and is advantageous in terms of reliability. On the other hand, when the constituent material is an oxide of zinc or a semiconductor containing zinc, the material is inexpensive and can contribute to the cost reduction of the biological electrode 1. Examples of zinc oxide include zinc oxide (ZnO) and the like, and examples of the semiconductor containing zinc include InGaZnO-based oxide semiconductor (IGZO semiconductor) and the like.

  The second electrode 7 formed of the above-described constituent material may be formed by a PVD method or a CVD method such as an evaporation method, a reactive sputtering method, or an ion plating method, or by other means. It may be formed. For example, a conductive layer (for example, a metal deposited layer) formed by a vacuum deposition method may be used, or a conductive layer (for example, a conductive paste layer) formed by a flexographic printing method, a gravure printing method, an ink jet printing method, or a screen printing method. It may be a conductive layer formed by applying a conductive material containing a metal material and a resin binder, followed by heating and baking or curing.

  The second electrode 7 may be formed by directly providing such a conductive layer (referred to as a second conductive layer 7 ′) in a predetermined pattern, or may be formed in a predetermined pattern after being formed in a solid shape. . Examples of the method of directly providing the second electrode 7 in a predetermined pattern include vapor deposition means using a mask, pattern printing means using a conductive paste or conductive ink, and the like. Since such a method can reduce the number of steps, it can contribute to cost reduction. Examples of the method of forming the second electrode 7 with a predetermined pattern include an etching method and a method of using the lift-off film 9.

  The pattern forming means by the etching method forms the second conductive layer 7 ′ in a solid shape so as to cover the first electrode 6 and the connection wiring portion 4, forms a mask pattern thereon, and is exposed from the mask pattern. This can be done by treating the second conductive layer 7 ′ with an etching solution.

  As shown in FIGS. 9A, 9B, 10C, and 10D, for example, the pattern forming means using the lift-off film 9 may include a part or all of the first electrode 6 and the connection wiring portion 4. A lift-off film 9 having a predetermined pattern is formed so as to cover (FIGS. 9A and 10C), and a second conductive layer 7 ′ is formed in a solid shape so as to cover it (FIG. 9B). 10D), and then the second conductive layer 7 ′ placed on the lift-off film 9 is removed together with the lift-off film 9 (FIGS. 9C and 11A). Can do. The remaining second conductive layer 7 ′ constitutes the second electrode 7. The detailed content of the lift-off film 9 is the same as the content described in the description column of the first electrode 6, and the description thereof is omitted here.

  Although the thickness of the second electrode 7 varies depending on the constituent material and film forming means, it cannot be generally stated, but when forming the second electrode 7 made of a metal thin film or a compound thin film by vapor deposition, for example, 10 nm or more, 300 nm It can be within the following range. Moreover, when forming the 2nd electrode 7 with an electrically conductive paste, it can be in the range of 5 micrometers or more and 15 micrometers or less, for example. In particular, when forming by vapor deposition, the thin second electrode 7 can be formed, and the material cost can be greatly reduced. The effect is large when using a noble metal with a high material unit price. Moreover, when forming by vacuum deposition, since the thermal load with respect to the base material 2 can be reduced, there exists an advantage that a wrinkle and a distortion are not produced in the thin flexible base material 2, for example.

  The shape of the second electrode 7 in plan view may be, for example, a square such as a quadrangle as shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, a circle or an ellipse, or a combination of these. May be. Further, the shape of the second electrode 7 in plan view may be a shape in which windows as shown in FIG. 5 are arranged at equal intervals, or may be a lattice shape as shown in FIG. By making the shape of the second electrode 7 in plan view a shape having a window or a lattice shape, it is possible to improve the retention of the drug gel 10 subsequently provided on the biological electrode 1, and the skin 21 of the drug gel 10. Permeation to (biological membrane) can be further promoted. The size of the window and the size of the lattice-shaped opening can be arbitrarily designed.

(Insulator)
As shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, the insulator 8 is provided so as to cover the connection wiring portion 4 that electrically connects the first electrode 6 and the second electrode 7. The insulator 8 is required to cover at least the connection wiring part 4 and does not need to be covered except for the connection wiring part 4, but may be provided in another region within a range that does not hinder the function of the biomedical electrode 1. Good. For example, as shown in the figure, it may be provided so as to cover all of the connection wiring portion 4 and protrude beyond a part on the first electrode 6 side and a part on the second electrode 7 side.

  The constituent material of the insulator 8 is not particularly limited as long as it has insulating properties. However, for ease of film formation and pattern formation, for example, screen printing does not include a solvent mainly composed of epoxy acrylate and urethane acrylate. Examples thereof include an ultraviolet curable material or a thermosetting material containing a solvent such as diethylene glycol acetate and ether glycol. Moreover, you may comprise the insulator 8 by bonding together insulating base materials, such as a polyethylene terephthalate.

  As a method of forming the insulator 8, a general method of forming an insulating resin or the like can be applied. For example, an insulating resin material is applied by various application methods. Although the thickness of the insulator 8 is not specifically limited, For example, it can be 10 micrometers or more and 200 micrometers or less. As described above, an insulating base material such as polyethylene terephthalate may be bonded. Such an insulator 8 can maintain the connection reliability between the first electrode 6 and the second electrode 7 even when it is flexibly bonded to the skin via the drug gel 10. It can be set as the biological electrode 1 with high and low contact resistance.

[Iontophoresis equipment]
The iontophoresis device 11 includes a biological electrode 1 according to the present invention. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, a drug gel 10 is provided so as to cover the first electrode 6 and the second electrode 7 that have the above-described biological electrode 1 and constitute the biological electrode 1. ing. The first electrode 6 and the second electrode 7 are connected by a wiring 12 including the connection wiring portion 4, and a self-power generation type iontophoresis device 11 is generated by an electromotive force generated between the first electrode 6 and the second electrode 7. It becomes. The iontophoresis device 11 is used with the drug gel 10 side stuck to the skin.

  The drug gel 10 is a gel containing one type or two or more types of drugs. Since such a drug gel 10 is used, the drug can efficiently penetrate into the body. It is particularly preferable to use two or more types. As a usage form of the drug gel 10, one type of drug gel 10 may be provided so as to cover both the first electrode 6 and the second electrode 7, or the first electrode 6 and the second electrode 7. One type of drug gel 10 may be provided so as to cover each of the first electrode 6 and another type of drug gel 10 may be provided so as to cover each of the first electrode 6 and the second electrode 7 separately. . The drug gel 10 provided on the first electrode 6 and the second electrode 7 may be a single drug made up of one type of drug gel 10 or a complex drug containing two or more types of drug gels 10. May be.

  As the drug contained in the drug gel 10, any therapeutically active substance supplied to a living organ to produce a desired effect can be used. Specifically, including therapeutic agents in major therapeutic areas, including but not limited to anti-infective agents such as antibiotics and antiviral agents; analgesics and analgesic complexes; anesthetics Anti-arthritis drug; anti-asthma drug; anti-convulsant drug; antidepressant drug; anti-diabetic drug; anti-diarrheal drug; anti-histamine drug; anti-inflammatory drug; anti-migraine drug product; Antiemetics; antitumor agents; antiparkinsonians; cardiac stimulants; antidiarrheals; antipsychotics; antipyretic drugs; anticonvulsants including gastrointestinal and urethral agents; anticholinergics; Derivatives; Cardiovascular products including calcium blockers; β (beta) blockers; β (beta) agonists; antiarrhythmic drugs; hypertension drugs; ACE inhibitors; diuretics; general blood vessels, coronary arteries, peripheral blood vessels and brain Vasodilators including blood vessels; Drugs; cough and cold preparations; decongestants; diagnostics; hormones; hypnotics; immunosuppressants; muscle relaxants; parasympathomimetics; parasympathomimetics; prostaglandins; proteins; peptides; And those containing tranquilizers and tranquilizers.

  The biological electrode 1 according to the present invention is preferably used as a constituent electrode of an iontophoresis device 11, and further includes electrodes for low-frequency treatment devices, electrodes for visceral function tests such as electrocardiogram, myoelectricity, and electroencephalogram, electrosurgical units, It can also be suitably used as a living body electrode 1 that is attached to a living body such as an earth electrode and performs treatment or examination.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1,1A-1F Biomedical electrode 2 Base material 4 Connection wiring part 5 Connection part 6 1st electrode 6 '1st conductive layer 7 2nd electrode 7' 2nd conductive layer 8 Insulator 9 Lift-off film | membrane 10 Drug gel 11 Ion Tophoresis device 12 Wiring (connection wiring part)
21 Skin

Claims (9)

  A base material, a first electrode and a second electrode provided on the base material, and provided integrally with the first electrode while being provided on the base material, and electrically connecting the first electrode and the second electrode A connection wiring part connected to the base, a connection part provided integrally with the connection wiring part and covered with a part or all of the second electrode, and an insulation covering the connection wiring part And a body electrode.   The first electrode, the connection wiring portion, and the connection portion are integrally formed of the same material, the width of the connection wiring portion is narrower than the width of the first electrode, and the connection portion is one of the second electrodes. The biological electrode according to claim 1, which is covered with a portion.   The biological electrode according to claim 1, wherein the first electrode, the connection wiring portion, and the connection portion are integrally provided with the same material, and the connection portion is covered with the entire second electrode.   The apparatus includes two or more connection wiring portions extending in different directions from the first electrode, and the connection portions are covered with a part or all of the two or more second electrodes respectively provided in the direction. Item 4. The biological electrode according to any one of Items 1 to 3.   5. One of the first electrode and the second electrode is provided with a noble metal, and the other is provided with a zinc oxide or a semiconductor containing zinc. Biological electrode.   A step of preparing a base material, a step of integrally forming a first electrode, a connection wiring portion and a connection portion on the base material, a step of forming a second electrode covering a part or all of the connection portion, And a step of forming an insulator covering the connection wiring portion.   In the step of integrally forming the first electrode, the connection wiring portion, and the connection portion, the first electrode, the connection wiring portion, and the connection portion are simultaneously formed in a predetermined pattern, or the first electrode, The living body according to claim 6, wherein the connection wiring portion and the connection portion are simultaneously formed and then formed into a predetermined pattern, and the connection wiring portion and the connection portion are formed with a width narrower than a width of the first electrode. Electrode manufacturing method. In the step of integrally forming the first electrode, the connection wiring portion, and the connection portion, the first electrode, the connection wiring portion, and the connection portion are simultaneously formed, and then the first electrode, the connection wiring portion, and the connection are formed. Without forming the part into a predetermined pattern,
The method for producing a biological electrode according to claim 6, wherein in the step of forming the second electrode, the second electrode is formed in a predetermined pattern.   An ion having the biological electrode according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a drug is provided so as to cover the first electrode and the second electrode constituting the biological electrode. Tophoresis device.

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