Department of Biotechnology
inStem (Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine)

Single step fabrication of hollow microneedles and an experimental package for controlled drug delivery.

Publication Type

Journal Article

Date of Publication

February 5, 2023

Journal

International journal of pharmaceutics

Volume/Issue

632

ISSN

1873-3476

Hollow microneedle arrays (HMNs) are an excellent choice for managing chronic diseases requiring the administration of multiple drug doses over a prolonged duration. However, HMNs have gained partial success due to limitations in their manufacturing capabilities, and cumbersome processes. In the present study, polymeric HMNs were fabricated using a novel single-step drop-casting process without needing cleanroom facilities, and sophisticated instrumentation. When drop casted on the pyramidal tip stainless steel needles, the optimized polymer solution allowed the reproducible formation of desired height HMMs on a detachable acrylic base. To enable broader applications, the base with HMNs was integrated into an experimental package built to deliver a dose of ∼ 5 µL per 30° clockwise rotation of the actuator, allowing multiple metered drug dose administrations. The fabricated HMNs were optically imaged, and tested for mechanical integrity and stability. The working and functional utility of the HMNs package in delivering metered drug doses was demonstrated by delivering vitamin B12 (ex vivo) and insulin (in vivo), respectively. The optimized process can be used for the large-scale manufacturing of HMNs and the experimental package shows the potential to be further developed into a wearable device.

Alternate Journal

Int J Pharm

PubMed ID

36574913

Authors

Vivek Ghate
Anu Renjith
Kedar Badnikar
Suman Pahal
Shreyas N Jayadevi
Manjunatha M Nayak
Praveen K Vemula
Dinesh N Subramanyam

Keywords

Drug Delivery Systems
Polymers
Administration, Cutaneous
Microinjections
Needles
Insulin