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Published on: December 5, 2025
Fabrication, Simulation, and Mechanical Characterization of Curcumin-Loaded PVA/PVP Microneedle Arrays Using Custom
Bryan Angelo S J Basa1, Charlize Dawn Z Batin1, Izabelle Nisha Maxine D Chan1
1Department of Manufacturing Engineering and Management, De La Salle University, Manila 1004, Philippines.
Polymers
|August 13, 2026
Summary
This study developed 3D-printed microneedle (MN) arrays for drug delivery. Conical MNs using polyvinyl alcohol and polyvinylpyrrolidone with curcumin showed optimal mechanical stability and insertion efficiency for wound healing.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Engineering
- Drug Delivery Systems
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Microneedle (MN) arrays are minimally invasive platforms for transdermal drug delivery.
- Developing robust and effective MN designs is crucial for biomedical applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and fabricate MN array models for biomedical applications using 3D-printed micro-molds.
- To analyze the mechanical properties and performance of MNs with varying configurations and curcumin dosages.
- To validate computationally simulated MN models through experimental testing.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of MN arrays using 3D-printed micro-molds with a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) matrix.
- Material analysis under varying geometric configurations, curcumin (CUR) dosages (2-6 mg), and penetration depths (300-500 μm).
- Computational simulation (CAD/FEA) and experimental validation including insertion and penetration efficiency testing on porcine skin.
Main Results:
- Higher CUR concentrations decreased mechanical strength and Young's modulus.
- Mid-range CUR dosages (2-6 mg) with optimized geometry yielded MNs with structural integrity and effective performance.
- Conical MNs exhibited the best balance of mechanical stability, swelling behavior, and insertion efficiency.
Conclusions:
- The 3D-printed micro-mold approach is feasible and reproducible for MN fabrication.
- Optimized MN design and curcumin dosage are critical for effective transdermal drug delivery.
- Conical MNs are recommended for localized wound-healing applications due to their favorable performance characteristics.