3D Printing of Biodegradable Polymeric Microneedles for Transdermal Drug Delivery Applications

3D Printing of Biodegradable Polymeric Microneedles for Transdermal Drug Delivery Applications

6 February 2024 | Faisal Khaled Aldawood, Santosh Kumar Parupelli, Abhay Andar, Salil Desai
This research explores the use of additive manufacturing (AM) technology, specifically stereolithography (SLA), to fabricate biodegradable polymeric microneedle (MN) arrays for transdermal drug delivery. The study investigates the effects of different aspect ratios and base diameters on the mechanical strength and skin penetration capabilities of the MNs. Six MN designs with varying aspect ratios (2:1, 3:1, and 4:1) and base diameters (0.3 mm and 0.4 mm) were fabricated, and their dimensional accuracy, mechanical behavior, and skin penetration were evaluated. The results show that the MNs with higher aspect ratios had better deformation characteristics, suitable for deeper skin penetration. The mechanical tests indicate that the MNs can withstand forces up to 50 N, and the insertion tests demonstrate that the MNs can penetrate through parafilm sheets, simulating artificial skin, with a depth ranging from 0.52 mm to 1.60 mm. The study concludes that the 3D-printed biodegradable polymeric MN arrays are suitable for transdermal drug delivery applications, offering high-quality printing, robust mechanical strength, and effective skin penetration. The research provides guidelines for fabricating MN arrays with superior print quality and mechanical strength, contributing to the advancement of therapeutic applications.This research explores the use of additive manufacturing (AM) technology, specifically stereolithography (SLA), to fabricate biodegradable polymeric microneedle (MN) arrays for transdermal drug delivery. The study investigates the effects of different aspect ratios and base diameters on the mechanical strength and skin penetration capabilities of the MNs. Six MN designs with varying aspect ratios (2:1, 3:1, and 4:1) and base diameters (0.3 mm and 0.4 mm) were fabricated, and their dimensional accuracy, mechanical behavior, and skin penetration were evaluated. The results show that the MNs with higher aspect ratios had better deformation characteristics, suitable for deeper skin penetration. The mechanical tests indicate that the MNs can withstand forces up to 50 N, and the insertion tests demonstrate that the MNs can penetrate through parafilm sheets, simulating artificial skin, with a depth ranging from 0.52 mm to 1.60 mm. The study concludes that the 3D-printed biodegradable polymeric MN arrays are suitable for transdermal drug delivery applications, offering high-quality printing, robust mechanical strength, and effective skin penetration. The research provides guidelines for fabricating MN arrays with superior print quality and mechanical strength, contributing to the advancement of therapeutic applications.
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Understanding 3D Printing of Biodegradable Polymeric Microneedles for Transdermal Drug Delivery Applications