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Insights into the mechanics of solid conical microneedle array insertion into skin using the finite element method
Wenting Shu1, Helen Heimark1, Nicky Bertollo1
1UCD Centre for Biomedical Engineering, University College Dublin, Belfield Dublin 4, Ireland; School of Mechanical & Materials Engineering, University College Dublin, Belfield Dublin 4, Ireland.
Acta Biomaterialia
|September 7, 2021
Summary
Researchers developed a sophisticated finite element model to simulate microneedle insertion into human skin. This computational tool accurately predicts penetration efficiency, aiding in the design of effective microneedle arrays for drug delivery.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Computational Mechanics
- Materials Science
Background:
- Developing optimal microneedle designs requires robust, in vivo-representative test methods.
- Current experimental tools struggle to accurately compare microneedle tissue penetration.
- Microneedle array (MNA) insertion mechanics are complex, hindering clinical translation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a state-of-the-art finite element model for simulating microneedle insertion and penetration into human skin.
- To accurately capture the mechanical behavior of skin and microneedle arrays during insertion.
- To provide a computational tool for predicting MNA penetration efficiency and guiding design optimization.
Main Methods:
- Developed a 3D finite element model using hyperelastic, anisotropic, pre-stressed multi-layered material for human skin.
- Modeled the microneedle as an array to account for inter-needle effects.
- Simulated microneedle insertion under varying skin pretension and array configurations.
Main Results:
- Increasing skin pretension from 0% to 10% strain reduced penetration force by 13% and penetration efficiency by 15%.
- A base plate reduced MNA penetration efficiency by up to 24%.
- Penetration efficiency varied by 27% across a 5x1 microneedle array.
Conclusions:
- Accurate computational modeling is crucial for understanding microneedle insertion mechanics.
- Skin tension and microneedle geometry significantly influence penetration efficiency.
- The developed model accurately predicts MNA penetration, aiding in the design of minimally-invasive drug delivery systems.
