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Updated: May 18, 2026
08:15
Polymeric Microneedle Array Fabrication by Photolithography
Published on: November 17, 2015
Polymeric microdevices for transdermal and subcutaneous drug delivery
Manuel Ochoa1, Charilaos Mousoulis, Babak Ziaie
1School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Birck Nanotechnology Center, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA.
Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews
|September 25, 2012
Summary
Low-cost polymeric microdevices for transdermal and subcutaneous drug delivery are advancing biopharmaceutical administration. This review covers current market devices and new research, including novel micropumps and elastomeric reservoirs.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Materials Science
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
Background:
- Low-cost manufacturing of polymeric microdevices is crucial for next-generation drug delivery systems.
- Transdermal and subcutaneous routes offer advantages for administering biopharmaceuticals and novel formulations.
- Microdevices are evolving from simple microneedle arrays to complex systems with integrated components.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current market and research-stage polymeric microdevices for drug delivery.
- To present novel laboratory research on phase change liquid-actuated micropumps.
- To showcase the development of elastomeric reservoirs for microelectromechanical systems (MEMS)-based transdermal systems.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing transdermal and subcutaneous drug delivery microdevices.
- Experimental development of polymeric micropumps utilizing phase change liquids.
- Fabrication and characterization of elastomeric reservoirs for MEMS applications.
Main Results:
- Identified a range of microdevice complexities, from microneedles to integrated systems.
- Demonstrated proof-of-concept for disposable micropumps using phase change liquids.
- Developed functional elastomeric reservoirs suitable for MEMS-based drug delivery.
Conclusions:
- Polymeric microdevices represent a significant advancement in biopharmaceutical delivery.
- Innovative approaches like phase change micropumps and elastomeric reservoirs show promise for future drug delivery systems.
- Continued research and development are essential for realizing the full potential of these microdevices.
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