Novel-shaped microneedle arrays for multiple uses of bio-medical applications

Microneedle arrays fabricated by synchrotron radiation deep X-ray lithography are presented in this work. Two types of plastic microneedle array are introduced; hollow microneedle array and quadruplets-microneedle array. The quadruplets-microneedle array has been designed for substitution of the hollow microneedle array in the case that the external pumping facility is disconnected. With the new design and fabrication technique of our research group, PCT (plain-pattern to cross-section transfer), the crown-shape of the microneedle has been fabricated and utilized as a blood extraction tool. The advantage is, the needle employs capillary force to draw the liquid. However, in the purpose of drug delivery, the fabrication of a hollow microneedle by the same technique is also reported. In this work, an investigation on several designs of X-ray mask pattern was done. The results of 3D shapes have been considered in order to approach higher strength for penetrating through the skin. Although the test of the hollow microneedle for drug deliver has not yet been demonstrated due to the requirement of an external pumping tool, the extraction test of quadruplets-microneedle was illustrated.