15 May 2024 | Cristiana Oliveira, José A. Teixeira, Nelson Oliveira, Sónia Ferreira, Cláudia M. Botelho
The article "Microneedles' Device: Design, Fabrication, and Applications" by Cristiana Oliveira, José A. Teixeira, Nelson Oliveira, Sónia Ferreira, and Cláudia M. Botelho discusses the development and application of microneedles as a biomedical device for transdermal drug delivery. The stratum corneum layer of the skin acts as a barrier to foreign substances, making it challenging to deliver therapeutic molecules through the skin. Microneedles, which consist of an array of microscale needles, have emerged as a promising solution due to their ability to breach the stratum corneum and form micro-conduits for drug delivery. These devices offer several advantages over conventional methods, including better medication adherence, ease of use, and painless self-administration. The article covers various types of microneedles, such as solid, coated, dissolving, hollow, and hydrogel-forming, each with its unique characteristics and applications. It also delves into the design parameters and manufacturing techniques for microneedles, emphasizing the importance of factors like needle length, tip diameter, and base width/diameter. The fabrication methods discussed include microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), micromolding, laser cutting, laser ablation, drawing-based methods, atomized spraying, injection molding, and micro-mechanical machining. Each method is evaluated based on its advantages and limitations, providing insights into the current state of microneedle technology and its potential for future applications in drug delivery, wound healing, tissue engineering, and more.The article "Microneedles' Device: Design, Fabrication, and Applications" by Cristiana Oliveira, José A. Teixeira, Nelson Oliveira, Sónia Ferreira, and Cláudia M. Botelho discusses the development and application of microneedles as a biomedical device for transdermal drug delivery. The stratum corneum layer of the skin acts as a barrier to foreign substances, making it challenging to deliver therapeutic molecules through the skin. Microneedles, which consist of an array of microscale needles, have emerged as a promising solution due to their ability to breach the stratum corneum and form micro-conduits for drug delivery. These devices offer several advantages over conventional methods, including better medication adherence, ease of use, and painless self-administration. The article covers various types of microneedles, such as solid, coated, dissolving, hollow, and hydrogel-forming, each with its unique characteristics and applications. It also delves into the design parameters and manufacturing techniques for microneedles, emphasizing the importance of factors like needle length, tip diameter, and base width/diameter. The fabrication methods discussed include microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), micromolding, laser cutting, laser ablation, drawing-based methods, atomized spraying, injection molding, and micro-mechanical machining. Each method is evaluated based on its advantages and limitations, providing insights into the current state of microneedle technology and its potential for future applications in drug delivery, wound healing, tissue engineering, and more.