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Fabrication of a Master Mold for Microneedles with a Micron-sized Air-vent Hole
Published on: December 5, 2025
Evolution of 3D-Printed Microneedles toward Closed-Loop Theranostic Platforms
Chuan Yang1, Xinxin Yan2, Yue Hou3
1Key Laboratory of Artificial Micro- and Nano-structures of Ministry of Education, School of Physics and Technology, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China.
Research (Washington, D.C.)
|July 22, 2026
Summary
3D printing enables advanced microneedle (MN) platforms for transdermal drug delivery and biosensing. These innovations overcome limitations of traditional methods, paving the way for intelligent, closed-loop health systems.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Materials Science
- Additive Manufacturing
Background:
- Microneedle (MN) technology offers minimally invasive transdermal drug delivery (TDD) and biosensing.
- Conventional microfabrication limits MN structural complexity and multi-material integration.
- Next-generation biomedical systems require advanced MN platforms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive analysis of recent progress in 3D-printed MNs.
- To highlight architectural innovations and intelligent system integration in 3D-printed MNs.
- To examine challenges and future perspectives for clinical translation of 3D-printed MNs.
Main Methods:
- Review and analysis of recent advancements in 3D printing for MN fabrication.
- Emphasis on architectural innovations, microchannel integration, and multifunctionality.
- Examination of material selection, manufacturing processes, and standardization.
Main Results:
- 3D printing facilitates the development of complex, multi-material MN platforms with embedded microchannels.
- Significant progress in architectural innovations and intelligent system integration for MNs.
- Expanding applications in personalized drug delivery and theranostic platforms.
Conclusions:
- 3D-printed MNs represent a paradigm shift from passive delivery to active, closed-loop health platforms.
- Overcoming manufacturing, material, and standardization challenges is crucial for clinical translation.
- Future MNs will integrate advanced functionalities for personalized and intelligent healthcare.