EP4106856A1 - Mold for producing microstructures - Google Patents

Mold for producing microstructures

Info

Publication number
EP4106856A1
EP4106856A1 EP21705469.1A EP21705469A EP4106856A1 EP 4106856 A1 EP4106856 A1 EP 4106856A1 EP 21705469 A EP21705469 A EP 21705469A EP 4106856 A1 EP4106856 A1 EP 4106856A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
shaped element
element according
recess
channels
depressions
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
EP21705469.1A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Andreas Henning
Sebastian SCHERR
Stefan Erlhofer
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
LTS Lohmann Therapie Systeme AG
Original Assignee
LTS Lohmann Therapie Systeme AG
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by LTS Lohmann Therapie Systeme AG filed Critical LTS Lohmann Therapie Systeme AG
Publication of EP4106856A1 publication Critical patent/EP4106856A1/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M37/00—Other apparatus for introducing media into the body; Percutany, i.e. introducing medicines into the body by diffusion through the skin
    • A61M37/0015—Other apparatus for introducing media into the body; Percutany, i.e. introducing medicines into the body by diffusion through the skin by using microneedles
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C33/00—Moulds or cores; Details thereof or accessories therefor
    • B29C33/0061—Moulds or cores; Details thereof or accessories therefor characterised by the configuration of the material feeding channel
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C33/00—Moulds or cores; Details thereof or accessories therefor
    • B29C33/0061—Moulds or cores; Details thereof or accessories therefor characterised by the configuration of the material feeding channel
    • B29C33/0066—Moulds or cores; Details thereof or accessories therefor characterised by the configuration of the material feeding channel with a subdivided channel for feeding the material to a plurality of locations
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C33/00—Moulds or cores; Details thereof or accessories therefor
    • B29C33/38—Moulds or cores; Details thereof or accessories therefor characterised by the material or the manufacturing process
    • B29C33/40—Plastics, e.g. foam or rubber
    • B29C33/405—Elastomers, e.g. rubber
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C33/00—Moulds or cores; Details thereof or accessories therefor
    • B29C33/42—Moulds or cores; Details thereof or accessories therefor characterised by the shape of the moulding surface, e.g. ribs or grooves
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C39/00—Shaping by casting, i.e. introducing the moulding material into a mould or between confining surfaces without significant moulding pressure; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C39/02—Shaping by casting, i.e. introducing the moulding material into a mould or between confining surfaces without significant moulding pressure; Apparatus therefor for making articles of definite length, i.e. discrete articles
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C39/00—Shaping by casting, i.e. introducing the moulding material into a mould or between confining surfaces without significant moulding pressure; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C39/22—Component parts, details or accessories; Auxiliary operations
    • B29C39/24—Feeding the material into the mould
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C39/00—Shaping by casting, i.e. introducing the moulding material into a mould or between confining surfaces without significant moulding pressure; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C39/22—Component parts, details or accessories; Auxiliary operations
    • B29C39/26—Moulds or cores
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M37/00—Other apparatus for introducing media into the body; Percutany, i.e. introducing medicines into the body by diffusion through the skin
    • A61M37/0015—Other apparatus for introducing media into the body; Percutany, i.e. introducing medicines into the body by diffusion through the skin by using microneedles
    • A61M2037/0053—Methods for producing microneedles
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29K—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES B29B, B29C OR B29D, RELATING TO MOULDING MATERIALS OR TO MATERIALS FOR MOULDS, REINFORCEMENTS, FILLERS OR PREFORMED PARTS, e.g. INSERTS
    • B29K2883/00—Use of polymers having silicon, with or without sulfur, nitrogen, oxygen, or carbon only, in the main chain, as mould material
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29L—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS B29C, RELATING TO PARTICULAR ARTICLES
    • B29L2031/00—Other particular articles
    • B29L2031/753—Medical equipment; Accessories therefor
    • B29L2031/7544—Injection needles, syringes
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29L—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS B29C, RELATING TO PARTICULAR ARTICLES
    • B29L2031/00—Other particular articles
    • B29L2031/756—Microarticles, nanoarticles

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a molding element, in particular a casting mold such as a die, for producing microstructures.
  • the micro-structures to be produced are in particular microneedle arrays.
  • Microneedles are used to deliver active ingredients directly into the skin, also known as intradermal administration.
  • the microneedles are of such a length that they only penetrate into the outer layers of the skin, but preferably not to reach nerves and blood vessels and thus leave them unharmed. Nevertheless, microneedles create small holes in the upper layers of the skin, which significantly increases the absorption of active ingredients compared to a purely external application of active ingredients to the skin.
  • Microneedle arrays which have a multiplicity of microneedles, for example attached to a carrier surface, can be used for short-term administration or for long-term application.
  • a preferred way of delivering active ingredient from the microneedles into the skin consists in that areas of the microneedles or the entire microneedle containing the active substance dissolve or detach them and are thus absorbed by the body in the skin.
  • the microneedles are in particular made, at least in part, from water-soluble substances or materials.
  • the microneedles In addition to the direct release of active ingredient through the microneedles per se, it is also possible for the microneedles to have pores or cavities or to be designed as hollow needles in order to enable active ingredient to be released to the skin in this way.
  • microneedles can in themselves also be free of active ingredients.
  • a External application of the active ingredient to the outside of the microneedles take place or only after the microneedles have been removed from the skin, a drug-containing substance is applied to the corresponding skin area in order to administer such active ingredients using microneedles.
  • Microneedles can be made of ceramic, metal or polymer, among other things. It is preferred that one or more active ingredient components are added to these materials and such a formulation of the microneedles results.
  • a common method for producing microneedles consists of casting the microneedles or entire microneedle arrays, for example by means of a mold such as matrices made of silicone.
  • a mold such as matrices made of silicone.
  • the object of the invention is to create a molding element such as a casting mold, in particular a die, with which microstructures such as microneedle arrays can be produced with improved quality.
  • the molding element according to the invention which is in particular a casting mold such as a matrix, for example made of silicone, is used to produce microstructures, in particular microneedle arrays.
  • the shaped element has a base body with an in particular flat upper side. Starting from the top, depressions extend which serve to accommodate material for producing the microstructure.
  • channels are provided on the upper side of the base body, each of which is connected to at least one of the depressions. The provision of such channels on the upper side ensures more targeted drying, for example through a corresponding flow of material into the depressions.
  • the upper side is in particular flat, even if it has channels that are open towards the upper side; whereby the flat upper side is to be understood as meaning that this, in a preferred embodiment, is not a convex or concavely curved upper side.
  • Each depression is preferably connected to a plurality of channels.
  • the plurality of channels are arranged uniformly on the circumference of the recess.
  • each depression is connected to at least three, in particular at least five, channels.
  • the channels are preferably at least partially arranged in such a way that individual channels connect adjacent depressions to one another. This leads to a very good distribution of the product during the drying process, so that the quality of the product obtained can be further improved.
  • the channels are preferably designed at least partially in such a way that they taper starting from the recess with which they are connected. In this way, too, an improvement in the quality of the product produced can be achieved.
  • a connec tion area or a transition area between a channel and a recess is provided with a chamfer.
  • the bevel is preferably designed in such a way that the depth of the channel, measured from the top of the base body, increases the closer the channel is to the recess.
  • the chamfer has a radius or is curved in this area.
  • the curvature is preferably designed in such a way that it protrudes into the connecting channel or is convex with respect to the channel. The depth of the channel thus increases in particular steadily in the direction of the recess. In particular, the channel has no steps or shoulders.
  • the recesses provided in the base body are preferably arranged in such a way that they are arranged offset from one another in plan view.
  • rows of depressions are provided, the depressions of adjacent rows each being arranged with gaps.
  • the individual depressions are preferably conical or pyramidal, the tip of the cone or pyramid being on the side facing away from the top of the base body. Starting from the upper side, the cones or pyramids thus taper in the longitudinal direction, or the cross section of the cones or the pyramids decreases in the longitudinal direction.
  • the cones / pyramids themselves have a circular or square cross-section.
  • At least one web is provided in at least one depression.
  • the provision of at least one web in at least one recess represents an independent invention, which in particular is independent of the provision of at least one channel on the upper side of the base body.
  • the combination of both inventions is preferred.
  • At least one web is provided in several, in particular in each recess.
  • the at least one web extends in the longitudinal direction of the depression.
  • the web is arranged on a wall of the recess.
  • the at least one web extends over at least half of the depression in the longitudinal direction.
  • Show it: 1 shows a schematic plan view of a preferred embodiment of a molding element according to the invention in the form of a die and
  • Fig. 2 is a schematic, greatly enlarged sectional view in the longitudinal direction of egg ner recess of the die.
  • the die shown schematically has a base body 10. Starting from an upper side 12 of the base body 10, a plurality of depressions 14 are arranged in the base body.
  • the depressions are conical in cross section (FIG. 2), the cones tapering starting from the upper side 12 in the longitudinal direction 16 of the depression 14.
  • Channels 18 are provided on the upper side 12 of the base body 10.
  • the channels 18 are preferably arranged in such a way that adjacent depressions 14 are connected to one another via the channels 18.
  • a recess 14, which is not arranged on the edge of the die, in the illustrated preferred embodiment has six connecting channels 18 to the six recesses 14 lying around.
  • the connecting channels 18 have a bevel 20 in a transition region to the recess 14.
  • the bevel 20 is preferably curved, the curvature being convex in relation to the channel 18.
  • At least one web 22 is provided within the recess 14.
  • the web 22 is arranged on an inner wall 24 of the recess and extends in particular in the longitudinal direction 16 of the recess 14.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Hematology (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • Anesthesiology (AREA)
  • Biomedical Technology (AREA)
  • Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
  • Dermatology (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Medical Informatics (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Moulds For Moulding Plastics Or The Like (AREA)
  • Media Introduction/Drainage Providing Device (AREA)

Abstract

A mold, more particularly a casting mold for producing microstructures, more particularly microneedle arrays, has a main part (10). A plurality of recesses (14) are provided on a top face (12) of the main part (10) and are intended to receive material for producing the microstructure. In order to improve the quality of the microstructure to be produced, in particular during a drying process, channels (18) are provided on the top face (12) of the main part (10) and each channel is connected to at least one of the recesses (14).

Description

Formelement zur Herstelluna von Mikrostrukturen Form element for the production of microstructures
Die Erfindung betrifft ein Formelement, insbesondere eine Gussform wie eine Matrize, zur Herstellung von Mikrostrukturen. Bei den herzustellenden Mikro strukturen handelt es sich insbesondere um Mikronadel-Arrays. The invention relates to a molding element, in particular a casting mold such as a die, for producing microstructures. The micro-structures to be produced are in particular microneedle arrays.
Mikronadeln werden eingesetzt, um Wirkstoffe direkt in die Haut, auch als int radermale Verabreichung bezeichnet, abzugeben. Hierzu weisen die Mikrona deln gerade eine derartige Länge auf, um lediglich in die äußeren Hautschichten einzudringen, jedoch vorzugweise Nerven und Blutgefäße nicht zu erreichen und somit diese unverletzt zu belassen. Nichtsdestotrotz erzeugen Mikronadeln kleine Löcher in den oberen Hautschichten, wodurch die Wirkstoffaufnahme ge genüber einer rein äußerlichen Auftragung von Wirkstoffen auf die Haut signifi kant erhöht ist. Microneedles are used to deliver active ingredients directly into the skin, also known as intradermal administration. For this purpose, the microneedles are of such a length that they only penetrate into the outer layers of the skin, but preferably not to reach nerves and blood vessels and thus leave them unharmed. Nevertheless, microneedles create small holes in the upper layers of the skin, which significantly increases the absorption of active ingredients compared to a purely external application of active ingredients to the skin.
Mikronadel-Arrays, die eine Vielzahl von Mikronadeln, beispielsweise angebracht an einer Trägerfläche, aufweisen, können zur kurzfristigen Verabreichung oder zur langfristigen Applikation verwendet werden. Eine bevorzugte Möglichkeit der Wirkstoffabgabe von den Mikronadeln in die Haut besteht darin, dass sich Wirk stoff aufweisende Bereiche der Mikronadeln oder die gesamte Mikronadel auf- bzw. ablösen und derart in der Haut vom Körper aufgenommen werden. Hierzu sind die Mikronadeln insbesondere, zumindest teilweise, aus wasserlöslichen Stoffen bzw. Materialien hergestellt. Neben der direkten Wirkstoffabgabe durch die Mikronadeln an sich ist es auch möglich, dass die Mikronadeln Poren oder Hohlräume aufweisen oder als Hohlnadeln ausgebildet sind, um derart eine Wirkstoffabgabe an die Haut zu ermöglichen. Darüber hinaus können Mikrona deln an sich auch wirkstofffrei sein. Hierbei kann dann beispielsweise ein äußeres Aufträgen des Wirkstoffs auf die Außenseite der Mikronadeln erfolgen oder erst nach dem Entfernen der Mikronadeln von der Haut eine wirkstoffhal tige Substanz auf die entsprechende Hautstelle aufgetragen werden, um derart Wirkstoffe mittels Einsatzes von Mikronadeln zu verabreichen. Microneedle arrays, which have a multiplicity of microneedles, for example attached to a carrier surface, can be used for short-term administration or for long-term application. A preferred way of delivering active ingredient from the microneedles into the skin consists in that areas of the microneedles or the entire microneedle containing the active substance dissolve or detach them and are thus absorbed by the body in the skin. For this purpose, the microneedles are in particular made, at least in part, from water-soluble substances or materials. In addition to the direct release of active ingredient through the microneedles per se, it is also possible for the microneedles to have pores or cavities or to be designed as hollow needles in order to enable active ingredient to be released to the skin in this way. In addition, microneedles can in themselves also be free of active ingredients. Here, for example, a External application of the active ingredient to the outside of the microneedles take place or only after the microneedles have been removed from the skin, a drug-containing substance is applied to the corresponding skin area in order to administer such active ingredients using microneedles.
Mikronadeln können unter anderem aus Keramik, Metall oder Polymer herge stellt sein. Bevorzugt ist es, dass diesen Materialien eine oder mehrere Wirk stoffkomponenten zugegeben werden und sich derart eine Formulierung der Mikronadeln ergibt. Microneedles can be made of ceramic, metal or polymer, among other things. It is preferred that one or more active ingredient components are added to these materials and such a formulation of the microneedles results.
Bisher bekannte Verfahren zur Herstellung von therapeutischen oder diagnosti schen Mikronadeln bzw. Mikronadel-Arrays eignen sich nicht oder nur einge schränkt zur Herstellung in ausreichender Qualität und/oder Stückzahl. Previously known methods for the production of therapeutic or diagnostic microneedles or microneedle arrays are not suitable or are only suitable to a limited extent for production in sufficient quality and / or quantities.
Ein gängiges Verfahren zur Herstellung von Mikronadeln besteht im Gießen der Mikronadeln bzw. gesamter Mikronadel-Arrays, beispielsweise mittels Gussform wie Matrizen aus Silikon. Insbesondere aufgrund der hydrophoben Eigenschaf ten zwischen der Gussform und der darauf aufgegebenen, meist flüssigen, For mulierung ergeben sich zahlreiche Probleme bei derartigen Herstellungsverfah ren. A common method for producing microneedles consists of casting the microneedles or entire microneedle arrays, for example by means of a mold such as matrices made of silicone. In particular, due to the hydrophobic properties between the casting mold and the mostly liquid formulation applied to it, numerous problems arise with such manufacturing processes.
Insbesondere besteht beim Aufträgen von wässrigen Flüssigkeiten über die ge samte Oberfläche der Gussform bei einer üblicherweise aus Silikon hergestellten Matrize die Problematik, dass aufgrund der hydrophoben Eigenschaften der Gussform sich die Flüssigkeit nicht gleichmäßig verteilt und gegebenenfalls nicht in alle die Mikronadeln ausbildenden Vertiefungen der Gussform gelangt. In particular, when applying aqueous liquids over the entire surface of the casting mold with a matrix usually made of silicone, the problem is that due to the hydrophobic properties of the casting mold, the liquid is not evenly distributed and may not get into all the microneedle forming depressions in the casting mold.
Des Weiteren besteht die Problematik, dass die aufgetragene Flüssigkeit, die entweder ein wässriges oder ein anderes Lösungsmittel aufweist, trocknen muss. Während des Trocknungsprozesses und der damit verbundenen Volumen reduktion können beispielsweise Hohlräume entstehen, so dass das entsprechende Produkt nicht verwendet werden kann. Auch können beim Trock nen innere Spannungen auftreten, die häufig zu einer erhöhten Sprödigkeit des Produkts führen. Derartige Spannungen können beispielsweise nur durch auf wendige thermische Nachbehandlungen reduziert werden. Insofern besteht bei bekannten Verfahren zur Herstellung von Mikrostrukturen, insbesondere Mikro- nadel-Arrays, die Problematik, dass einerseits relativ viel Ausschuss produziert wird und/oder andererseits eine aufwendige Nachbehandlung des Produkts er forderlich ist. Furthermore, there is the problem that the applied liquid, which has either an aqueous or another solvent, has to dry. During the drying process and the associated volume reduction, cavities can arise, for example, so that the corresponding product cannot be used. Internal stresses can also occur during drying, which often lead to increased brittleness of the product. Such stresses can only be reduced, for example, by complex thermal aftertreatments. In this respect, known methods for producing microstructures, in particular micro-needle arrays, have the problem that, on the one hand, a relatively large amount of rejects is produced and / or, on the other hand, complex post-treatment of the product is required.
Aufgabe der Erfindung ist es, ein Formelement wie eine Gussform, insbesondere eine Matrize zu schaffen, mit der Mikrostrukturen wie Mikronadel-Arrays mit verbesserter Qualität hergestellt werden können. The object of the invention is to create a molding element such as a casting mold, in particular a die, with which microstructures such as microneedle arrays can be produced with improved quality.
Die Lösung der Aufgabe erfolgt durch ein Formelement mit den Merkmalen des Anspruchs 1. The object is achieved by a molded element with the features of claim 1.
Das erfindungsgemäße Formelement, bei dem es sich insbesondere um eine Gussform wie eine Matrize beispielsweise aus Silikon handelt, dient zur Herstel lung von Mikrostrukturen, insbesondere Mikronadel-Arrays. Das Formelement weist einen Grundkörper mit einer insbesondere ebenen Oberseite auf. Ausge hend von der Oberseite erstrecken sich Vertiefungen, die zur Aufnahme von Material zur Herstellung der Mikrostruktur dienen. Erfindungsgemäß sind an der Oberseite des Grundkörpers Kanäle vorgesehen, die jeweils mit zumindest einer der Vertiefungen verbunden sind. Durch das Vorsehen derartiger Kanäle an der Oberseite ist ein gezielteres Trocknen, beispielsweise durch ein entsprechendes Nachfließen von Material in die Vertiefungen, gewährleistet. Die Oberseite ist insbesondere eben, auch wenn sie zur Oberseite hin offene Kanäle aufweist; wobei unter der ebenen Oberseite zu verstehen ist, dass es sich hierbei in be vorzugter Ausführungsform nicht um eine konvex oder konkav gekrümmte Oberseite handelt. Vorzugsweise ist jede Vertiefung mit mehreren Kanälen verbunden. Hierdurch kann die Qualität des hergestellten Produkts, insbesondere der hergestellten Mikronadel-Arrays, weiter verbessert werden. Bevorzugt ist es hierbei, dass die mehreren Kanäle gleichmäßig am Umfang der Vertiefung angeordnet sind. Be vorzugt ist hierbei ferner, dass jede Vertiefung mit mindestens drei, insbeson dere mindestens fünf Kanälen verbunden ist. The molding element according to the invention, which is in particular a casting mold such as a matrix, for example made of silicone, is used to produce microstructures, in particular microneedle arrays. The shaped element has a base body with an in particular flat upper side. Starting from the top, depressions extend which serve to accommodate material for producing the microstructure. According to the invention, channels are provided on the upper side of the base body, each of which is connected to at least one of the depressions. The provision of such channels on the upper side ensures more targeted drying, for example through a corresponding flow of material into the depressions. The upper side is in particular flat, even if it has channels that are open towards the upper side; whereby the flat upper side is to be understood as meaning that this, in a preferred embodiment, is not a convex or concavely curved upper side. Each depression is preferably connected to a plurality of channels. As a result, the quality of the manufactured product, in particular the manufactured microneedle arrays, can be further improved. It is preferred here that the plurality of channels are arranged uniformly on the circumference of the recess. It is also preferred here that each depression is connected to at least three, in particular at least five, channels.
Vorzugsweise sind die Kanäle zumindest teilweise derart angeordnet, dass ein zelne Kanäle benachbarte Vertiefungen miteinander verbinden. Dies führt zu einem sehr guten Verteilen des Produkts während des Trocknungsprozesses, so dass die Qualität des erzielten Produkts weiter verbessert werden kann. The channels are preferably at least partially arranged in such a way that individual channels connect adjacent depressions to one another. This leads to a very good distribution of the product during the drying process, so that the quality of the product obtained can be further improved.
Vorzugsweise sind die Kanäle zumindest teilweise derart ausgebildet, dass sie sich, ausgehend von der Vertiefung, mit der sie verbunden sind, verjüngen. Auch hierdurch kann wiederum eine Verbesserung der Qualität des hergestellten Produkts erzielt werden. The channels are preferably designed at least partially in such a way that they taper starting from the recess with which they are connected. In this way, too, an improvement in the quality of the product produced can be achieved.
Bei einer besonders bevorzugten Weiterbildung der Erfindung ist ein Verbin dungsbereich bzw. ein Übergangsbereich zwischen einem Kanal und einer Ver tiefung mit einer Fase versehen. Insbesondere in einem Längsschnitt ist die Fase vorzugsweise derart ausgebildet, dass sich die Tiefe des Kanals, gemessen von der Oberseite des Grundkörpers, vergrößert, je näher der Kanal an der Vertie fung ist. Besonders bevorzugt ist es, dass die Fase in diesem Bereich einen Radius aufweist bzw. gekrümmt ist. Die Krümmung ist hierbei vorzugsweise derart ausgebildet, dass sie in den Verbindungskanal hineinragt bzw. bezogen auf den Kanal konvex ausgebildet ist. Die Tiefe des Kanals nimmt somit in Rich tung der Vertiefung insbesondere stetig zu. Insbesondere weist der Kanal keine Stufen oder Absätze auf. In a particularly preferred development of the invention, a connec tion area or a transition area between a channel and a recess is provided with a chamfer. In particular in a longitudinal section, the bevel is preferably designed in such a way that the depth of the channel, measured from the top of the base body, increases the closer the channel is to the recess. It is particularly preferred that the chamfer has a radius or is curved in this area. The curvature is preferably designed in such a way that it protrudes into the connecting channel or is convex with respect to the channel. The depth of the channel thus increases in particular steadily in the direction of the recess. In particular, the channel has no steps or shoulders.
Die in dem Grundkörper vorgesehenen Vertiefungen sind vorzugsweise derart angeordnet, dass sie in Draufsicht zueinander versetzt angeordnet sind. Insbesondere sind Reihen an Vertiefungen vorgesehen, wobei die Vertiefungen benachbarter Reihen jeweils auf Lücke angeordnet sind. The recesses provided in the base body are preferably arranged in such a way that they are arranged offset from one another in plan view. In particular, rows of depressions are provided, the depressions of adjacent rows each being arranged with gaps.
Da die Vertiefungen in bevorzugter Ausführungsform zur Ausbildung eines Mik- ronadel-Arrays dienen, sind die einzelnen Vertiefungen vorzugsweise kegelför mig oder pyramidenförmig ausgebildet, wobei die Spitze des Kegels oder der Pyramide auf der von der Oberseite des Grundkörpers abgewandten Seite ist. Ausgehend von der Oberseite verjüngen sich die Kegel oder Pyramiden somit in Längsrichtung, bzw. der Querschnitt der Kegel bzw. der Pyramiden nimmt in Längsrichtung ab. Die Kegel/Pyramiden selbst weisen in bevorzugter Ausfüh rungsform einen kreisrunden oder quadratischen Querschnitt auf. Since the depressions are used in a preferred embodiment to form a micro-needle array, the individual depressions are preferably conical or pyramidal, the tip of the cone or pyramid being on the side facing away from the top of the base body. Starting from the upper side, the cones or pyramids thus taper in the longitudinal direction, or the cross section of the cones or the pyramids decreases in the longitudinal direction. In a preferred embodiment, the cones / pyramids themselves have a circular or square cross-section.
Bei einer besonders bevorzugten Weiterbildung der Erfindung ist in zumindest einer Vertiefung mindestens ein Steg vorgesehen. Das Vorsehen mindestens eines Steges in mindestens einer Vertiefung stellt eine selbständige Erfindung dar, die insbesondere vom Vorsehen mindestens eines Kanals an der Oberseite des Grundkörpers unabhängig ist. Bevorzugt ist jedoch die Kombination beider Erfindungen. In a particularly preferred development of the invention, at least one web is provided in at least one depression. The provision of at least one web in at least one recess represents an independent invention, which in particular is independent of the provision of at least one channel on the upper side of the base body. However, the combination of both inventions is preferred.
Vorzugsweise ist mindestens ein Steg in mehreren, insbesondere in jeder Ver tiefung vorgesehen. Der mindestens eine Steg erstreckt sich in bevorzugter Weiterbildung der Erfindung in Längsrichtung der Vertiefung. Insbesondere ist der Steg an einer Wandung der Vertiefung angeordnet. Des Weiteren ist es be vorzugt, dass sich der mindestens eine Steg über mindestens die Hälfte der Vertiefung in Längsrichtung erstreckt. Preferably, at least one web is provided in several, in particular in each recess. In a preferred development of the invention, the at least one web extends in the longitudinal direction of the depression. In particular, the web is arranged on a wall of the recess. Furthermore, it is preferred that the at least one web extends over at least half of the depression in the longitudinal direction.
Nachfolgend wird die Erfindung anhand einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform un ter Bezugnahme auf die anliegenden Zeichnungen näher erläutert. The invention is explained in more detail below using a preferred embodiment un ter with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Es zeigen: Fig. 1 eine schematische Draufsicht einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäßen Formelements in Form einer Matrize und Show it: 1 shows a schematic plan view of a preferred embodiment of a molding element according to the invention in the form of a die and
Fig. 2 eine schematische, stark vergrößerte Schnittansicht in Längsrichtung ei ner Vertiefung der Matrize. Fig. 2 is a schematic, greatly enlarged sectional view in the longitudinal direction of egg ner recess of the die.
Die schematisch dargestellte Matrize weist einen Grundkörper 10 auf. Ausge hend von einer Oberseite 12 des Grundkörpers 10 sind in dem Grundkörper eine Vielzahl von Vertiefungen 14 angeordnet. Die Vertiefungen sind im Querschnitt kegelförmig (Fig. 2), wobei sich die Kegel ausgehend von der Oberseite 12 in Längsrichtung 16 der Vertiefung 14 verjüngen. The die shown schematically has a base body 10. Starting from an upper side 12 of the base body 10, a plurality of depressions 14 are arranged in the base body. The depressions are conical in cross section (FIG. 2), the cones tapering starting from the upper side 12 in the longitudinal direction 16 of the depression 14.
An der Oberseite 12 des Grundkörpers 10 sind Kanäle 18 vorgesehen. Die Ka näle 18 sind vorzugsweise derart angeordnet, dass benachbarte Vertiefungen 14 über die Kanäle 18 miteinander verbunden sind. Insbesondere weist eine Vertiefung 14, die nicht am Rand der Matrize angeordnet ist, in der dargestellten bevorzugten Ausführungsform sechs Verbindungskanäle 18 zu den sechs um liegenden Vertiefungen 14 auf. Channels 18 are provided on the upper side 12 of the base body 10. The channels 18 are preferably arranged in such a way that adjacent depressions 14 are connected to one another via the channels 18. In particular, a recess 14, which is not arranged on the edge of the die, in the illustrated preferred embodiment has six connecting channels 18 to the six recesses 14 lying around.
In der bevorzugten dargestellten Ausführungsform weisen die Verbindungska näle 18 in einem Übergangsbereich zu der Vertiefung 14 eine Fase 20 auf. Die Fase 20 ist vorzugsweise gekrümmt, wobei die Krümmung bezogen auf den Ka nal 18 konvex ausgebildet ist. Eine Tiefe des Kanals 18, gemessen von der Oberseite 12, nimmt somit in Richtung der Vertiefung 14 zu. In the preferred embodiment shown, the connecting channels 18 have a bevel 20 in a transition region to the recess 14. The bevel 20 is preferably curved, the curvature being convex in relation to the channel 18. A depth of the channel 18, measured from the upper side 12, thus increases in the direction of the depression 14.
Bei einer bevorzugten Weiterbildung der Erfindung, die eine selbständige Erfin dung darstellt, ist innerhalb der Vertiefung 14 mindestens ein Steg 22 vorgese hen. Der Steg 22 ist an einer Innenwandung 24 der Vertiefung angeordnet und erstreckt sich insbesondere in Längsrichtung 16 der Vertiefung 14. In a preferred development of the invention, which represents an independent inven tion, at least one web 22 is provided within the recess 14. The web 22 is arranged on an inner wall 24 of the recess and extends in particular in the longitudinal direction 16 of the recess 14.

Claims

Patentansprüche Claims
1. Formelement, insbesondere Gussform zur Herstellung von Mikrostruk turen, insbesondere Mikronadel-Arrays, mit einem eine insbesondere ebene Oberseite (12) aufweisenden Grundkör per (10), und sich ausgehend von der Oberseite (12) erstreckenden Vertiefungen (14) zur Aufnahme von Material zur Herstellung der Mikrostruktur, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass an der Oberseite (12) des Grundkörpers (10) Kanäle (18) vorgesehen sind, die jeweils mit zumindest einer der Vertiefungen (14) verbunden sind. 1. Shaped element, in particular casting mold for the production of microstructures, in particular microneedle arrays, with a base body (10) having a particularly flat top (12), and depressions (14) extending from the top (12) for receiving Material for producing the microstructure, characterized in that channels (18) are provided on the upper side (12) of the base body (10), each of which is connected to at least one of the depressions (14).
2. Formelement nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass mindes tens eine, insbesondere jede Vertiefung (14) mit mehreren Kanälen (18) verbunden ist. 2. Shaped element according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one, in particular each recess (14) is connected to a plurality of channels (18).
3. Formelement nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass zumindest ein Teil der Kanäle (18) benachbarte Vertiefungen (14) mit einander verbindet. 3. Shaped element according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least some of the channels (18) connect adjacent recesses (14) with one another.
4. Formelement nach einem der Ansprüche 1-3, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass sich zumindest ein Teil der Kanäle (18), ausgehend von der jewei ligen Vertiefung (14), verjüngt. 4. Shaped element according to one of claims 1-3, characterized in that at least some of the channels (18), starting from the respective recess (14), tapers.
5. Formelement nach einem der Ansprüche 1-4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass in einem Verbindungsbereich zwischen einem Kanal (18) und einer Vertiefung (14) eine Fase (20) vorgesehen ist. 5. Shaped element according to one of claims 1-4, characterized in that a bevel (20) is provided in a connection area between a channel (18) and a recess (14).
6. Formelement nach Anspruch 5, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Fase (20) eine Krümmung aufweist, die vorzugsweise bezogen auf den Kanal (18) konkav ist. 6. Shaped element according to claim 5, characterized in that the bevel (20) has a curvature which is preferably concave with respect to the channel (18).
7. Formelement nach einem der Ansprüche 1-6, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Vertiefungen (14) in Draufsicht zueinander versetzt angeordnet sind. 7. Shaped element according to one of claims 1-6, characterized in that the depressions (14) are arranged offset from one another in plan view.
8. Formelement nach einem der Ansprüche 1-7, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Vertiefungen (14) in Längsrichtung (16) kegelförmig ausgebil det sind. 8. Shaped element according to one of claims 1-7, characterized in that the recesses (14) are conically ausgebil det in the longitudinal direction (16).
9. Formelement nach einem der Ansprüche 1-8, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass in zumindest einer Vertiefung (14) mindestens ein Steg (22) vor gesehen ist. 9. Shaped element according to one of claims 1-8, characterized in that at least one web (22) is seen in front of at least one recess (14).
10. Formelement nach Anspruch 9, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der min destens eine Steg (22) sich in Längsrichtung (16) der Vertiefung (14) erstreckt. 10. Shaped element according to claim 9, characterized in that the min least one web (22) extends in the longitudinal direction (16) of the recess (14).
EP21705469.1A 2020-02-19 2021-02-11 Mold for producing microstructures Pending EP4106856A1 (en)

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US4946633A (en) 1987-04-27 1990-08-07 Hitachi, Ltd. Method of producing semiconductor devices
DE19936235A1 (en) 1999-08-05 2001-02-15 Benckiser Nv Manufacturing process for molded parts and mold for use therein
JP2007089792A (en) * 2005-09-28 2007-04-12 Nano Device & System Research Inc Percutaneous administration apparatus
US20090171314A1 (en) * 2006-04-20 2009-07-02 Ferguson Dennis E Molded articles comprising microneedle arrays
EP2100850A1 (en) * 2008-03-11 2009-09-16 Stichting Voor De Technische Wetenschappen Microneedle array and a method for manufacturing microneedles
US8383027B2 (en) * 2008-03-12 2013-02-26 Fujifilm Corporation Method of fabricating a template for a concave array mold, a concave array mold and a needle array sheet
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JP2013248299A (en) * 2012-06-01 2013-12-12 Dainippon Printing Co Ltd Microneedle device
EP2918307B1 (en) * 2012-11-09 2018-05-23 Toppan Printing Co., Ltd. Needle-like structure and method for manufacturing same
US10828478B2 (en) * 2014-04-24 2020-11-10 Georgia Tech Research Corporation Microneedles and methods of manufacture thereof
KR102074603B1 (en) * 2015-09-30 2020-02-06 후지필름 가부시키가이샤 Manufacturing method of mold, manufacturing method of pattern sheet, manufacturing method of electroforming mold, and manufacturing method of mold using electroforming mold

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