Microstructure-based wound closure devices

Abstract

The present invention relates generally to wound closure device comprising one or more microstructures. The devices are designed such that the microstructures are able to grip the skin or tissue surrounding a wound, optionally closing the wound, or securing the tissue or skin in place. Also provided are wound closure systems that comprise one or more microstructure wound closure devices along with other components, such as protective covers and wound healing therapeutics. A variety of packaging specifications are disclosed, as is dispenser apparatus configured to enable simple one-handed application of the wound closure devices. Methods described herein provide for the closure of various wounds with the wound closure devices and systems.

1 - 112 . (canceled) 
     
     
         113 . A wound closure device comprising:
 a base comprising:
 a first exterior portion; 
 a second exterior portion; 
 a middle portion connecting the first exterior portion and the second exterior portion; and 
 a first planar surface extending from the first exterior portion, across the middle portion and to the second exterior portion; 
   a first microstructure attached to and extending from the first planar surface at the first end; and   a second microstructure attached to and extending from the first planar surface at the second end.   
     
     
         114 . The wound closure device of  claim 113 , wherein the first microstructure and the second microstructure each comprises a single microstaple or two microstaples. 
     
     
         115 . The wound closure device of  claim 114 , wherein the first microstructure and the second microstructure each comprises more than two microstaples. 
     
     
         116 . The wound closure device of  claim 113 , wherein the microstructure comprises a microstaple, microneedle, microblade, microanchor, microfishscale, micropillar, or microhair. 
     
     
         117 . The wound closure device of  claim 113 , wherein:
 the wound closure device extends along a longitudinal axis;   the first exterior portion and the second exterior portion define widths relative to the longitudinal axis that are equal; and   the middle portion comprises an isthmus having a width smaller than those of the first exterior portion and the second exterior portion.   
     
     
         118 . The wound closure device of  claim 117 , wherein the first exterior portion and the second exterior portion are stretchable and the isthmus is non-stretchable. 
     
     
         119 . The wound closure device of  claim 113 , further comprising a backing positioned adjacent to the base, wherein the backing is in the form of a roll. 
     
     
         120 . The wound closure device of  claim 113 , wherein the base is in the form of a roll comprising a plurality of microstructure arrays. 
     
     
         121 . The wound closure device of  claim 113 , wherein the base is in the form of a roll comprising one long array of microstructures extending along the longitudinal axis. 
     
     
         122 . The wound closure device of  claim 120 , wherein the base is in the form of a roll comprising a plurality of bases connected end-to-end. 
     
     
         123 . The wound closure device of  claim 120 , further comprising a drug or therapeutic located on the isthmus. 
     
     
         124 . The wound closure device of  claim 120 , further comprising an applicator device. 
     
     
         125 . The wound closure device of  claim 124 , wherein the applicator comprises a handheld dispenser. 
     
     
         126 . The wound closure device of  claim 125 , wherein the handheld dispenser includes a means for separating the roll or bandage. 
     
     
         127 . The wound closure device of  claim 126 , wherein:
 the handheld dispenser comprises a roll-on dispenser; and   the means for separating comprises a blade that can be placed at an angle that allows for cutting of the roll or bandage upon an upward rotation of a medical care provider's hand.   
     
     
         128 . The wound closure device of  claim 120 , wherein said microstructure arrays are separated by a non-stretchable isthmus, and in that said base is stretchable or said microstructure arrays are attached to a stretchable backing. 
     
     
         129 . A wound closure device comprising two or more microstructure arrays upon a base, each microstructure array comprising one or more microstructures, characterized in that said microstructure arrays are separated by a non-stretchable isthmus, and in that said base is stretchable or said microstructure arrays are attached to a stretchable backing.