UK-Australian team to 3D-print microneedles

Researchers from universities in the UK and Australia are investigating the use of 3D printing to create microneedles. According to 3D Printing Industry, the process involves ‘two-photon polymerisation’ (2PP), a precise form of resin printing.

Microneedles are miniature needles typically arranged in a patch. This patch disrupts the surface of the skin, allowing medication to enter a desired region more effectively than a topical cream.

The 2PP approach allows for the fabrication of microstructures in the nanometre range, which is useful for microneedles, which can be made of a number of materials. Polymeric microneedles are reportedly particularly useful, but a lot of testing is needed to find the optimum manufacturing approach.

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