DLP 3D printing of high-resolution, temperature-responsive hydrogel microneedles with rapid customization capability

Xinmeng Zhou, Huan Liu, Huanjun Li*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalConference articlepeer-review

Abstract

Hydrogel microneedles (MNs) are emerging as versatile transdermal drug delivery platforms for the treatment of various diseases. However, their conventional preparation method is plagued by a complex process, time-consuming nature, and low resolution. To address these challenges, we present a novel method for preparing temperature-responsive hydrogel MNs using a Digital Light Processing (DLP) strategy. The printed NIPAM-AA-AM hydrogel MNs can be rapidly customized (within 1 hour) into various shapes and heights with high resolution. The mechanical tests and H&E staining validate the ability of the MNs to penetrate the skin. In addition, the temperature-responsive drug delivery of the MNs was demonstrated through experiments and COSMOL simulations. Notably, these biocompatible microneedles showed non-toxicity in NIH-3T3 cells and low hemolysis rates, thereby indicating promising prospects for safe in vivo utilization. This study offers a simple and rapid alternative for the fabrication of smart responsive microneedles, opening up new avenues in personalized and efficient transdermal drug delivery strategies.

Original languageEnglish
Article number012041
JournalJournal of Physics: Conference Series
Volume2808
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2024
Event2024 3rd International Conference on Materials Engineering and Applied Mechanics, ICMEAAE 2024 - Hybrid, Changsha, China
Duration: 15 Mar 202417 Mar 2024

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'DLP 3D printing of high-resolution, temperature-responsive hydrogel microneedles with rapid customization capability'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this

Zhou, X., Liu, H., & Li, H. (2024). DLP 3D printing of high-resolution, temperature-responsive hydrogel microneedles with rapid customization capability. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 2808(1), Article 012041. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/2808/1/012041