Development of a micro lancet needle made of biodegradable polymer for low-invasive medical treatment

The aim of this paper is the development of a micro lancet needle made of biodegradable polymer (Poly Lactic Acid, called as PLA). This device is applicable to a blood test system for diabetics. The size of the micro lancet needle is as follows: width is 200 /spl mu/m, length is 1000 /spl mu/m, thickness is 100 /spl mu/m. Since PLA naturally degrades itself in tissues, this material is safe for human body. To achieve the purpose of this study, we focused on wet chemical anisotropic etching process of silicon negative groove, dry etching process of it by using gray scale mask, and micro-molding process of PLA. The resistance force during inserting a needle to an artificial skin of silicone rubber is investigated. Sensory test of insertion to human skin is also carried out.