A novel method for producing solid polymer microneedles using laser ablated moulds in an injection moulding process. (April 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Evens, Tim; Malek, Olivier; Castagne, Sylvie; Seveno, D.; Van Bael, Albert
• Is Part Of: Manufacturing letters. Volume 24(2020)
• Page Start: 29
• Page End: 32
• Publication Date: 2020-04
• Subjects: Laser machining -- Injection moulding -- Microneedles -- Micro manufacturing; Manufacturing industries -- Periodicals; Production engineering -- Periodicals; Manufacturing industries; Periodicals; 670
• DOI: 10.1016/j.mfglet.2020.03.009
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2213-8463

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Abstract: Microneedle arrays are minimally invasive devices which offer a pain free, straightforward and efficient method for transdermal drug delivery. Manufacturing these micro-systems represents a real challenge and a mass production process with high volume outputs at low cost is lacking. In this study, we present a novel method to produce polymer microneedles using laser ablated moulds in an injection moulding process. We successfully created cone-shaped micro holes with low tip radii in a tool steel mould, using a femtosecond laser with a cross-hatching strategy. Finally, the attained mould was used in an injection moulding process to replicate polypropylene microneedles.