An Insulin Microneedle Pen (IMP) for Self‐Subcutaneous Insulin Injection. Issue 12 (27th September 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ma, Yonghao; Li, Cheng Guo; Kim, Suyong; Fakhraei Lahiji, Shayan; Lee, Chisong; Jung, Hyungil
• Is Part Of: Advanced materials technologies. Volume 3:Issue 12(2018)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2018-09-27
• Subjects: insulin pen needle -- metallic hollow microneedle -- minimally invasive -- subcutaneous insulin injection; Materials science -- Periodicals; Technological innovations -- Periodicals; Materials science; Technological innovations; Periodicals; 620.1105
• DOI: 10.1002/admt.201800234
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2365-709X

Abstract

Abstract: Metallic hollow microneedles (MHMs) are an ideal alternative to traditional insulin pen needles for innocuous self‐administration of insulin into the subcutaneous layer. Nonetheless, MHMs present a number of challenges, including restricted use of biocompatible materials, biohazard issues, and limitations of scale‐up fabrication. Here, a novel MHM‐manufacturing technology that creates a high‐aspect‐ratio microstructure by simple centrifugation is proposed. Instead of thermoplastics, biocompatible polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) is used without any biohazardous solvent. The critical hurdle—maintaining the geometric integrity of the water‐soluble PVP microneedle mold during electroplating—is overcome via a waterproof parylene coating. Cost‐effective nickel‐carbon tungsten electroless plating is performed that is suitable for clinical application. For the first time, this MHM is assembled into an insulin pen system for manufacture of an insulin microneedle pen (IMP). Characteristics of the IMP are optimized: length: 8 mm, minimized outer diameter: 125 µm, and a sharp bevel angle: 15°. It is demonstrated that the IMP not only administers insulin with the same accuracy as a traditional insulin pen needle but also produces less tissue damage in a porcine model. The proposed IMP may facilitate clinical application and potentially make the daily treatments necessary and easier for patients with diabetes. Abstract : A metallic hollow microneedle fabrication method combines simple centrifugal lithography and a parylene coating for manufacture of an insulin microneedle pen (IMP). The optimized IMP facilitates accurate insulin injection, also induces minimal tissue damage. This IMP can apply to clinical research and may replace the traditional insulin pen needles for improving the quality of life of diabetes patients.