A microneedle array module is disclosed comprising a multiplicity of
microneedles affixed to and protruding outwardly from a front surface of
a substrate to form the array, each microneedle of the array having a
hollow section which extends through its center to an opening in the tip
thereof. A method of fabricating the microneedle array module is also
disclosed comprising the steps of: providing etch resistant mask layers
to one and another opposite surfaces of a substrate to predetermined
thicknesses; patterning the etch resistant mask layer of the one surface
for outer dimensions of the microneedles of the array; patterning the
etch resistant mask layer of the other surface for inner dimensions of
the microneedles of the array; etching unmasked portions of the substrate
from one and the other surfaces to first and second predetermined depths,
respectively; and removing the mask layers from the one and the other
surfaces. One embodiment of the method includes the steps of: providing
an etch resistant mask layer to the other surface of the substrate to a
predetermined thickness; patterning the etch resistant mask layer of the
other surface to define a reservoir region in the substrate; and etching
away the unmasked reservoir region of the substrate to form a reservoir
well in the other surface of the substrate. A layer of material may be
provided to the other surface to enclose the reservoir well and a
passageway is provided through the layer to the well region.