Rational Design, Synthesis, Evaluation, and Crystal Structure of a Potent

Microstructured transdermal systems (MTS) have been attracting increased interest in recent years. The idea of using microstructures to pierce the stratum corneum to enhance drug delivery has been around for many decades in the form of multiple-tine devices for tuberculin testing and vaccine delivery, and in the form of larger numbers of even smaller structures at least since Ganderton was issued a patent on such devices in 1974.

However, for many years, this idea failed to meet its full potential because the technology to cheaply, accurately and reproducibly manufacture the microstructures was not available. In 1998, Henry disclosed methods of making the microstructures out of silicon, based on processes utilized in the semiconductor industry.