The present disclosure provides for a microneedle array. The microneedle array is useable for delivering an active agent to a subject. The microneedle array includes a base having microneedles disposed thereon, wherein each of the microneedles is formed of (i) a swellable and water-insoluble matrix comprising a crosslinked polymer or (ii) a water-soluble matrix comprising a water-soluble polymer; and a conductive polymer incorporated in the swellable and water-insoluble matrix or the water-soluble matrix. A device configured to deliver an active agent and a method of delivering an active agent through the device, wherein the device includes the microneedle array, are provided herein. A method of producing the microneedle array is also disclosed herein.

Iontophoresis, a minimally-invasive methodology that uses a weak electric current to enhance penetration of ionized molecules into tissues, was found to be an effective technique for the intraocular delivery of large bioactive molecules, specifically lutein.

Tumors in portions of a subject's body that have a longitudinal axis (e.g., the torso, head, and arm) can be treated with TTFields by affixing first and second sets of electrodes at respective positions that are longitudinally prior to and subsequent to a target region. An AC voltage with a frequency of 100-500 kHz is applied between these sets of electrodes. This imposes an AC electric field with field lines that run through the target region longitudinally. The field strength is at least 1 V/cm in at least a portion of the target region. In some embodiments, this approach is combined with the application of AC electric fields through the target region in a lateral direction (e.g., front to back and/or side to side) in order to apply AC electric fields with different orientations to the target region.

The invention provides a variety of novel devices, systems, and methods of utilizing mixed-ionic-electronic conductor (MIEC) materials adapted to function with an applied current or potential. The materials, as part of a circuit, are placed in contact with a part of a human or nonhuman animal body. A sodium selective membrane system utilizing the MIEC is also described.

The invention provides a variety of novel devices, systems, and methods of utilizing mixed-ionic-electronic conductor (MIEC) materials adapted to function with an applied current or potential. The materials, as part of a circuit, are placed in contact with a part of a human or nonhuman animal body. A sodium selective membrane system utilizing the MIEC is also described.

A cutting guard for use with a wound retractor includes a body having a lumen including a flexible inner surface with a ground contact extending therethrough. A ground guard is included having proximal and distal openings that define a guard lumen therethrough, the ground guard encapsulating the flexible inner surface of the body lumen. A biasing element is disposed within the guard lumen and encircles the flexible inner surface and biases the flexible inner surface inwardly. A cutting electrode is disposed proximate the distal opening of the ground guard and connects to a first electrical potential and the ground guard connects to a second electrical potential. Upon externalizing of tissue through the distal opening, oversized tissue forces the flexible inner surface of the body lumen and the ground contact outwardly to engage the ground guard to complete an electrical circuit and energize the cutting electrode to excise oversized tissue.

An active molecule delivery system whereby active molecules can be released on demand and/or a variety of different active molecules can be delivered from the same system and/or different concentrations of active molecules can be delivered from the same system. The active molecule delivery system includes a first electrode, a plurality of microcells, and a porous conductive layer. The microcells are filled with a medium including active molecules.

An oral treatment device (10) for stimulating deposition of calcium phosphate from an amorphous calcium phosphate formulation in contact with a tooth (1) in an oral cavity is disclosed. The device comprises a first electrode (12) and a second electrode (14) spatially separated from the first electrode, wherein both the first electrode and the second electrode are arranged to contact the amorphous calcium phosphate formulation when the first electrode is arranged proximal to the tooth during use of the device; and the second electrode comprises a sacrificial material at least on its surface. Also disclosed is a kit of parts comprising the oral treatment device (10) and an ACP formulation and a method (100) for remineralizing a tooth using an amorphous calcium phosphate formulation.

Multilayer electrodes, electrode systems, and stimulation systems are disclosed. An electrode may include a conductive layer with a unitary tail, a connector disposed on a distal end of the tail, and a nonconductive top layer disposed along a top portion of the conductive layer. An electrode may include a magnetic lead connector socket, or a receptacle formed by a depression in the conductive layer configured to receive a male connector. An electrode system may include a plurality of conductive zones and a plurality of connectors. A stimulation system may include an electronics layer in electrical contact with a conductive layer via a puncture connection, and may provide an iontophoretic treatment followed by a TENS treatment. Other electrodes, systems and methods are also disclosed.

In order to achieve the above or other aims, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, a skin care device is provided which comprises: a body comprising a grip section for a user to hold, and a head section positioned at the end of the grip section; a plurality of skin-contacting plates positioned at the end of the head section; a plurality of oscillators for providing oscillations to each of the skin-contacting plates; and a control unit which supplies an electrical current to the skin-contacting plates and controls the oscillators, wherein the positive electrode and the negative electrode of the control unit are respectively connected to different skin-contacting plates.