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Mechanical finite element analysis of needle tip shape to develop insertable polymer-based microneedle without
Hiroaki Takehara1, Mizuki Inada2, Yukihiro Kanda3
1Department of Materials Engineering, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8656, Japan; Innovation Center of NanoMedicine (iCONM), 3-25-14 Tonomachi, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, 210-0821, Japan.
Journal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials
|January 20, 2025
Summary
This study analyzes bioabsorbable polymer microneedles for drug delivery. Optimized geometries prevent fracture, ensuring safe and effective transdermal applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Engineering
- Polymer Science
- Medical Device Design
Background:
- Bioabsorbable polymer microneedles offer advanced transdermal drug delivery and biofluid biopsy capabilities.
- High aspect ratio microneedles require careful mechanical design to ensure functionality and safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the elastoplastic deformation of poly(lactic) acid microneedles.
- To identify optimal microneedle geometries that prevent mechanical failure.
- To establish design principles for robust bioabsorbable microneedles.
Main Methods:
- Finite element method (FEM) analysis was employed.
- One hundred distinct microneedle tip geometries (tip diameter and taper length) were analyzed.
- Mechanical properties of poly(lactic) acid were utilized for elastoplastic analysis.
Main Results:
- Specific microneedle geometries were identified to avoid elastoplastic deformation and fracture.
- The study determined critical design parameters for microneedle stability.
- Analysis revealed relationships between geometry, material properties, and mechanical performance.
Conclusions:
- Understanding elastoplastic deformation is crucial for designing safe and effective polymer microneedles.
- Material properties and geometric design principles guide the development of mechanically sound microneedles.
- Optimized microneedle designs can overcome inherent mechanical weaknesses for enhanced transdermal applications.
