Lithographic Microneedle-Motors from Multimodal Microfluidics for Cargo Delivery

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Micromotors are revolutionizing cargo delivery, with ongoing efforts to enhance their structure and function.
• Active drug delivery systems aim to improve therapeutic efficacy by overcoming biological barriers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present novel microneedle-motors (MNMs) for active drug delivery.
• To demonstrate a flexible, multimodal microfluidic lithographic approach for MNM fabrication.
• To showcase the cargo-loading and tissue penetration capabilities of the developed MNMs.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of MNMs using a multimodal microfluidic system with co-flow geometry and laminar flow.
• Utilizing flow lithography for continuous MNM generation with tunable structural parameters (flow speed, photomask shape).
• Incorporating active cargo into the MNM structure during fabrication for direct application.

Main Results:

• Precisely tailored MNM structures with sharp tips and fuel-loading cavities were continuously produced.
• MNMs were successfully loaded with cargoes during their generation, eliminating extra processing steps.
• MNMs demonstrated efficient penetration of tissue-like substrates due to their sharp tips and autonomous movement.

Conclusions:

• The developed multimodal microfluidic lithographic approach enables efficient fabrication of cargo-loaded MNMs.
• MNMs show significant potential for active cargo delivery, particularly in overcoming physiological barriers.
• These MNMs represent a valuable tool for practical biomedical applications and beyond.