China3D printingNet, January 21, researchers at the University of Kent and the University of Strathclyde have developed a novel device that combines3D printing, Microneedles and microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), controllable transdermal drug delivery. Transdermal drug delivery means that drugs or drugs are usually administered through the skin through the use of adhesive patches.For their method, the researchers developed a composite device that consists of3D printingThe microneedle patch and MEMS are composed of MEMS, allowing users to directly control drug delivery. The device is called 3DMNMEMS, and its main goal is to achieve personalized clinical treatment. In the past, it has been using a “one size fits all” method for drug delivery. Sophia Economidou, one of the researchers at the University of Kent, said: “A microneedle is a small puncture device that can destroy the outermost and least permeable layer of the skin, thereby delivering the drug directly. Into the dermal microcirculation. Their miniature size means that their application is painless and can solve patient discomfort and needle phobia. It also simplifies the micro skin system and eliminates the need for trained professionals to intervene. This reduces the cost of treatment.”
3DMNMEMS system. Picture from Sophia Economidou. Micromolding and3D printing Typically, conventional microneedles are manufactured by micromolding, which is a technology that is difficult to customize and is associated with high initial processing costs. The researchers also observed that it is impossible to create internal microstructures in their own microneedles using micromolding technology.Therefore, the researchers turned to3D printing, In order to realize complex 3DMNMEMS devices, repeatable and reproducible manufacturing. also,3D printingThe device can be easily customized so that the manufacturer can adjust the design to suit the needs of a single patient. Microneedle patches can also be produced on demand, eliminating the need for storage space in clinics and laboratories. Prior to this, research in this field has been carried out. For example, in 2018, scientists at the University of Texas at Dallas developed a method for using FFF 3D printingA new low-cost method of machine-made microneedle arrays. Since then, researchers at Rutgers University have been using Projection micro-stereolithography to create 4D printed bioinspired programmable microneedles to enhance tissue adhesion.Recently, teams from Arizona State University and the University of Southern California developed3D printingThe microneedle patch is inspired by the layered structure of the limpet.These patches are assisted by a magnetic field3D printing(MF-3DP), which can be used to deliver drugs to patients painlessly in the future.
The 4D printed microneedles have barbs, which can be interlocked with the tissue during insertion, thereby enhancing adhesion. Picture from Rutgers University. 3D printingMicroneedle patch The microneedle patch designed using standard CAD software consists of a hollow microneedle shaft and its hole, internal microchannels, microreservoirs and openings for fluid supply.Using stereolithography and biocompatible polymers to perform microneedle3D printing, But researchers found that its complex structure and the need for accurate, reproducible printing3D printingThe function of the machine posed a challenge. In particular, they observed that it is particularly difficult to achieve the required sharpness of the blade and to ensure that the internal microstructure is free of blockages that may restrict the flow of liquid. “On the microscopic scale, the impact of printing parameters on the quality of the final product is intensified, so we must develop and apply a series of optimization steps, including custom printing parameters and design adjustments to obtain the desired results and establish a reproducible printing solution.” Economidou explained. “It is worth noting that the design of the patch is easy to install on the MEMS used here and the typical syringe.”
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3D printingSchematic diagram of the microneedle patch. Picture from Sophia Economidou.
test3D printingequipment In order to explore the effectiveness of the 3DMNMEMS device in living organisms, the researchers used the device to administer insulin to diabetic mice. They then compared this group of mice with another group of mice injected with the same amount of insulin under the skin. According to Economidou, 3DMNMEMS can lower blood sugar levels faster (one hour), while the injection takes three hours to achieve the same blood sugar lowering effect. The results of the study also showed that due to the widespread distribution of drugs in the skin tissue by the microneedles, the insulin concentration in the device-treated group was more durable over time. Economidou explained: “Injections tend to form a local reservoir on the skin, and the drug is released from the circulation through passive diffusion. This is a lag between the administration and the peak effect. On the other hand, the microneedles are in the tissues. Distribute drugs so that they can be absorbed faster and longer.”
3DMNMEMS device construction process. Picture from Sophia Economidou. 3D printingFacilitate treatment most3D printingThe hollow microneedles are produced by two-photon polymerization (2PP).3D printingMachines tend to be expensive and have a small print volume. The 2PP process can also be time consuming. In order to overcome these problems, commercial desktop printers can be used to successfully print researchers’ microneedle patches, thereby making the manufacturing process easier for researchers and interested companies. Economidou believes that this will help expand the scope of its technology to be used as a viable and sustainable microneedle manufacturing method.She said: “We also reported for the first time3D printingPlatform drug delivery device combined with MEMS.This achievement paved the way for changing the principles of medical devices;3D printingCombining with other advanced technologies is the key to developing new devices that can promote treatment and improve patients’ lives. “Through their tests, the researchers proved the controllable treatment of the diabetes, although the device has been designed as a universal platform for the delivery of multiple drugs. Economidou added: “The advantages of medical and drug delivery devices3D printingStill in its infancy. We believe that the potential for this technology to make significant changes in modern clinical care is still great.In our group, we have done a lot of work on transdermal systems, drug-eluting stents, tablets and wound dressings, all of which have passed3D printingdeveloping. “Economidou and her colleagues plan to further expand the3D printingResearch on the integration of MEMS and sensors in medical equipment, with a view to providing complex personalized care solutions.
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