Dissolvable microneedle fabrication using piezoelectric dispensing technology

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Drug Delivery Systems
• Vaccinology

Background:

• Dissolvable microneedle (DMN) patches offer a novel approach for percutaneous vaccine delivery.
• Fabrication typically involves dispensing liquid formulations into molds, followed by drying to create vaccine-loaded microneedles.
• Precise control over formulation volume and maintaining vaccine integrity are critical for effective DMN fabrication.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate the capability of a piezoelectric dispensing system for fabricating bilayer DMN.
• To investigate the influence of formulation components and actuation parameters on droplet formation.
• To assess the biological integrity of a seasonal influenza vaccine after dispensing.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a piezoelectric dispensing system to deposit picolitre volumes of formulation into PDMS molds.
• Varied formulation components (trehalose and polyvinyl alcohol) and piezoelectric parameters (voltage, frequency, back pressure).
• Evaluated droplet formation, microneedle sharpness, and vaccine biological integrity post-dispensing.

Main Results:

• Successfully fabricated bilayer DMN using piezoelectric dispensing of picolitre volumes.
• Identified optimal formulation and actuation parameters for controlled droplet formation and sharp microneedle fabrication.
• Determined that vaccine integrity was maintained at 30 V but compromised at higher voltages (50 and 80 V).

Conclusions:

• Piezoelectric dispensing technology enables precise fabrication of bilayer DMN.
• Optimizing formulation and actuation parameters is crucial for controlled droplet formation and vaccine stabilization.
• This technology holds promise for advanced vaccine delivery systems requiring precise microneedle fabrication.