Hollow silicon microneedle fabrication using advanced plasma etch technologies for applications in transdermal drug delivery. Issue 15 (7th July 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bolton, Chris J. W.; Howells, Olivia; Blayney, Gareth J.; Eng, Pey F.; Birchall, James C.; Gualeni, Benedetta; Roberts, Kerry; Ashraf, Huma; Guy, Owen J.
• Is Part Of: Lab on a chip. Volume 20:Issue 15(2020)
• Page Start: 2788
• Page End: 2795
• Publication Date: 2020-07-07
• Subjects: Miniature electronic equipment -- Periodicals; Combinatorial chemistry -- Periodicals; Biotechnology -- Periodicals; 543.0813
• DOI: 10.1039/d0lc00567c
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1473-0197

Abstract

Abstract : A novel production process flow is presented for the manufacture of hollow silicon microneedles using deep reactive-ion etching (DRIE) technology. Abstract : A novel production process flow is presented here for the manufacture of hollow silicon microneedles using deep reactive-ion etching (DRIE) technology. The patent-pending three-step process flow has been developed to produce multiple arrays of sharp-tipped, hollow microneedles, which facilitate easy insertion and controlled fluid injection into excised skin samples. A bevelled tip and vertical sidewalls for the microneedle have been achieved with good uniformity, despite >45% open etch area. Processing steps and etch challenges are discussed, and preliminary skin testing results are presented, showing effective needle insertion and delivery of fluorescent dye into ex vivo skin from human breast tissue.