Design and Fabrication of Customizable Microneedles Enabled by 3D Printing for Biomedical Applications

The document explores the design and fabrication of customizable microneedles (MNs) using 3D printing for biomedical applications, emphasizing their advantages in drug delivery and diagnostics. It discusses various MN designs, such as solid, hollow, dissolving, and hydrogel MNs, and highlights the importance of optimizing design parameters like dimensions, geometry, and material composition for effective skin penetration and drug delivery. The study includes findings from Ripolin et al., showing skin penetration depth variations among 10 volunteers. Different 3D printing techniques, including fused deposition modeling and two-photon polymerization, are examined for creating complex MN structures. The document also addresses challenges like scalability and cost, while showcasing innovations like backward-facing barbs and personalized MN patches. Overall, 3D-printed MNs offer improved bioavailability, reduced patient discomfort, and potential in personalized medicine, despite challenges in scalability and regulatory hurdles.