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3D-Printed Latticed Microneedle Array Patches for Tunable and Versatile Intradermal Delivery
Netra U Rajesh1,2, Jihyun Luna Hwang3, Yue Xu1
1Department of Radiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
Advanced Materials (Deerfield Beach, Fla.)
|September 2, 2024
Summary
Novel latticed microneedle array patches (L-MAPs) enhance drug delivery by trapping liquid droplets and enabling solid-state cargo coating. These 3D-printed patches offer improved loading capacity and tunable release profiles for diverse therapeutics.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Drug Delivery Systems
- 3D Printing Technology
Background:
- Microneedle array patches (MAPs) are effective for transdermal drug delivery.
- Existing MAPs typically feature solid or hollow needle structures.
- Limitations include cargo capacity and delivery versatility.
Purpose of the Study:
- Introduce a novel class of microneedle array patches: latticed MAPs (L-MAPs).
- Demonstrate L-MAPs' capability for both liquid and solid-state cargo delivery on a single patch.
- Evaluate L-MAPs for enhanced cargo loading and tunable drug release kinetics.
Main Methods:
- Utilized high-resolution 3D printing to fabricate L-MAPs.
- Generated a library of 43 L-MAP designs.
- Employed in-silico modeling to optimize L-MAP geometries.
- Characterized L-MAP performance for various therapeutic payloads.
Main Results:
- L-MAPs incorporate tapered struts forming hollow cells for liquid trapping.
- Achieved enhanced cargo loading with fewer needles compared to traditional MAPs.
- Demonstrated tunable cargo release kinetics based on formulation and needle geometry.
- Successfully delivered small molecules, mRNA lipid nanoparticles, and ovalbumin protein.
Conclusions:
- L-MAPs represent a versatile platform for advanced drug delivery.
- 3D printing enables programmable L-MAPs with tailored release profiles.
- L-MAPs offer significant advantages in cargo capacity and delivery flexibility over conventional MAPs.
