Review
Polymer Science
Dong-Jin Lim, Hong-Jun Kim
Summary: This review provides an overview of advanced fabrication techniques for microneedles and discusses various drug coating and drug elution strategies. It also explores the potential of microneedle technologies in improving the clinical efficacy of treating skin diseases.
Review
Instruments & Instrumentation
Qida Zong, Ranran Guo, Naijun Dong, Guixia Ling, Peng Zhang
Summary: Microneedle technology, as a promising alternative to subcutaneous insulin injection, has developed rapidly but still faces technical challenges, researchers are making efforts to overcome these limitations.
DRUG DELIVERY AND TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Xiaona Cao, Guojun Chen
Summary: This review provides an overview of recent advances in microneedle technology for non-transdermal applications, with a particular focus on its applications in ocular, vascular, oral, mucosal, and cancer tissues. The improved design of microneedles has expanded their potential for non-transdermal applications.
EXPERT OPINION ON DRUG DELIVERY
(2022)
Review
Instruments & Instrumentation
Krishanu Aich, Tanya Singh, Shweta Dang
Summary: Microneedles have been shown to enhance drug delivery and overcome the drawbacks of traditional injections, offering a significant opportunity for better clinical outcomes. Various types of microneedle designs, including solid, coated, hollow, and polymer microneedles, have been developed to improve drug delivery efficiency. Multiple studies are currently focusing on advancing formulation and microfabrication techniques for the delivery of protein drugs via microneedles.
DRUG DELIVERY AND TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Yasaman Ghiyasi, Philip D. Prewett, Graham J. Davies, Zahra Faraji Rad
Summary: Chronic wounds occur due to various reasons, including trauma, accidents, and diseases. Diabetes is a major cause of non-healing wounds, and the number of people with diabetes is increasing globally. Microneedles (MNs) offer a promising solution for the treatment of chronic wounds, as they provide an effective and non-invasive way to deliver drugs and accelerate the healing process.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS
(2023)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Jiahui He, Yuyue Zhang, Xinge Yu, Chenjie Xu
Summary: Transdermal drug delivery systems, particularly wearable patches, have advantages such as good drug bioavailability and patient compliance. The integration of stimulus-responsive materials and electronics in such systems allows for dosage, temporal, and spatial control of therapeutics delivery.
ACTA PHARMACEUTICA SINICA B
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Naoto Ono, Tomoya Iibuchi, Hiroaki Todo, Shoko Itakura, Hirotoshi Adachi, Kenji Sugibayashi
Summary: Thermalporation is an effective method for improving skin permeation of middle and high molecular weight biopharmaceuticals. The study showed that using the PassPort(R) system can significantly enhance the skin permeation of FD-4 and insulin, with improved relative bioavailability of insulin. Additionally, the skin resistance value decreased immediately after the PS treatment but returned to the initial level within 12 hours.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Suliman Khan, Anwarul Hasan, Farnoosh Attar, Mohammad Mahdi Nejadi Babadaei, Hojjat Alizadeh Zeinabad, Majid Salehi, Morteza Alizadeh, Mahbub Hassan, Hossein Derakhshankhah, Michael R. Hamblin, Qian Bai, Majid Sharifi, Mojtaba Falahati, Timo L. M. ten Hagen
Summary: Microneedle arrays have attracted attention as cancer detection and treatment platforms, delivering active molecules through the skin and improving patient health. They enable controlled release of multiple drugs, optimizing treatment and preventing drug interactions.
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yanjun Zhou, Luan Jia, Di Zhou, Gang Chen, Qiang Fu, Ning Li
Summary: Alopecia, the most common and difficult-to-treat hair disorder, brings significant psychological burden to patients. Currently, only minoxidil and finasteride have been approved by the FDA for treatment but with unsatisfactory efficacy. Microneedles, as a new form of transdermal drug delivery, have been widely used and proven effective in alopecia treatment. Microneedles improve drug delivery efficiency and patient compliance, resulting in better therapeutic effects for hair-related diseases. Therefore, microneedles have gained attention in the field of alopecia and hair regrowth promotion.
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Tomas Bauleth-Ramos, Nesma El-Sayed, Flavia Fontana, Maria Lobita, Mohammad-Ali Shahbazi, Helder A. Santos
Summary: Dissolving microneedles (dMNs) are water-soluble polymer drug delivery systems that have become popular for transdermal drug delivery. They offer advantages such as fast dissolution, short application time, and no biohazard risk, making them suitable for various biomedical and pharmaceutical applications. The formulation of successful dMNs requires careful consideration of patch design, needles geometry, polymer composition, method of formation, and payloads, as these factors directly affect the mechanical properties and efficacy of the microneedles. This review serves as a guide for dMN formulation, discussing the challenges at each step and strategies to optimize their administration and drug release.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Sophia N. Economidou, Dennis Douroumis
Summary: This review identified key progress points in using 3D printing to manufacture microneedles over the past 3 years, particularly focusing on advances in photopolymerization and extrusion-based 3D printing. The study highlighted that printing resolution and material properties are the two critical parameters that significantly influence the outcome of microneedle printing endeavors. Finally, the authors attempted to estimate the impact of 3D printing on the transdermal drug delivery market.
ADVANCED DRUG DELIVERY REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Sina Azizi Machekposhti, Alexander K. Nguyen, Lyndsi Vanderwal, Shane Stafslien, Roger J. Narayan
Summary: Polymeric microneedles have been fabricated for the delivery of amphotericin B using Gantrez (TM) AN-119 BF, demonstrating appropriate mechanical properties and antifungal characteristics.
Review
Chemistry, Analytical
Muhammet Avcil, Ayhan Celik
Summary: The innovative transdermal delivery technology of microneedle patch has great potential for various applications, but also faces limitations that need to be addressed for further improvements. Scientists and technologists should be aware of these concerns and allocate resources wisely.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Zening Men, Xiaotong Lu, Ting He, Mengfang Wu, Tong Su, Teng Shen
Summary: The recombinant hirudin-loaded dissoluble microneedle patch demonstrated effective anticoagulant effects, prevented thrombotic diseases, and showed potential for preventing venous thrombosis.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Kamchai Saepang, S. Kevin Li, Doungdaw Chantasart
Summary: The study explored the potential of skin microchannels created by polymer microneedle patches for enhancing transdermal drug delivery of pramipexole dihydrochloride. Results showed that drug-loaded dissolving microneedle (DMN) patches greatly improved PXCl transdermal delivery compared to conventional methods, while hydrogel-forming microneedle (HGMN) patches provided more sustained drug delivery. Electromigration was identified as the main mechanism for iontophoresis of PXCl through microchannels, with HGMN patches showing greater flux enhancement than DMN patches. The study indicates the potential application of microneedle patches, either alone or in combination with iontophoresis, as an alternative method for PXCl administration.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Aisen Vivas, Camilo IJspeert, Jesper Yue Pan, Kim Vermeul, Albert den Berg, Robert Passier, Stephan Sylvest Keller, Andries D. van der Meer
Summary: This study demonstrates a novel heart-on-chip model that integrates human pluripotent stem cells and cardiac fibroblasts into geometrically defined cardiac microtissues. The model has features such as porous membrane integration, reversible closure, and dynamic drug administration, which are important for cardiac drug development.
ADVANCED MATERIALS TECHNOLOGIES
(2022)
Article
Electrochemistry
Galina Pankratova, Jesper Yue Pan, Stephan Sylvest Keller
Summary: In this study, the impact of plasma-induced chemical surface alterations on the performance of pyrolytic carbon electrodes was investigated. It was found that the surface chemistry and geometry of the carbon electrodes varied with different plasma gases, leading to differences in electrochemical performance. This research provides fundamental insights into the electrochemistry of plasma-modified pyrolytic carbon surfaces and offers strategies for enhancing surface properties in carbon-based electrochemical applications.
ELECTROCHIMICA ACTA
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Babak Rezaei, Saloua Saghir, Jesper Yue Pan, Rasmus Schmidt Davidsen, Stephan Sylvest Keller
Summary: This article presents a novel method for selective passivation of three-dimensional pyrolytic carbon microelectrodes using a combination of electropolymerization of polydopamine and selective laser ablation. The resulting 3D electrodes have high biocompatibility and are suitable for electrochemical monitoring in biological applications.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Anders M. Torp, Khorshid Kamguyan, Juliane F. Christfort, Katja Ann Kristensen, Priscila Guerra, Noemie Daniel, Line Hagner Nielsen, Kinga Zor, Benoit Chassaing, Anja Boisen, Martin Bahl, Tine Rask Licht
Summary: Microcontainers loaded with streptomycin enhanced the proliferation of a resistant E. coli strain in the cecum and colon without affecting the small intestine environment. The application of microcontainers provides new prospects for antibiotic treatment with fewer side effects on nontarget bacterial populations.
APPLIED AND ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Shashank Vasudevan, Andrea Dotti, Janko Kajtez, Alberto Martinez-Serrano, Carsten Gundlach, Sandrina Campos Macas, Karin Lauschke, Anne-Marie Vinngaard, Silvia Garcia Lopez, Marta Pereira, Arto Heiskanen, Stephan S. Keller, Jenny Emneus
Summary: This study introduces a novel approach to generate Omni-LOEFs using laser ablation and demonstrates that dopamine detection current recorded from neurons differentiated on Omni-LOEFs upon light-induced stimulation is significantly higher compared to other materials.
BIOELECTROCHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Philip H. R. Carlsen, Rolf Bech Kjeldsen, Gabriel K. Pedersen, Dennis Christensen, Line Hagner Nielsen, Anja Boisen
Summary: Oral vaccination has gained attention recently due to patient compliance and logistics. However, developing oral subunit vaccines is challenging. Micro technology, such as Microcontainers (MCs), can be used to overcome these challenges by facilitating protection and effective delivery of vaccine components in the gastrointestinal tract. The study tests MCs for oral delivery of the C. trachomatis vaccine candidate CTH522, and finds that alpha-GalCer is the most efficient adjuvant for the oral vaccine. The study also suggests that larger animals should be used in future trials with MCs due to potential clearance issues in mice.
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Tien-Jen Chang, Rolf Bech Kjeldsen, Juliane Fjelrad Christfort, Eduard Marzo Vila, Tommy Sonne Alstrom, Kinga Zor, En-Te Hwu, Line Hagner Nielsen, Anja Boisen
Summary: This study investigates the use of microscale stereolithography 3D printing to fabricate radiopaque microcontainers with enhanced mucoadhesive geometries, aiming to improve bioavailability. The results show that microcontainers with adhering features exhibit increased mucoadhesion. In vivo studies using imaging techniques reveal the time-dependent gastrointestinal location and spatial dynamics of microcontainers.
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Ge Zhao, Shuangqing Zhao, Line Hagner Nielsen, Fa Zhou, Liuyan Gu, Belay Tilahun Tadesse, Christian Solem
Summary: In this study, a novel approach utilizing food-grade microorganisms was explored to remove lactic acid and galactose from acid whey (AW). A mutant strain G6006 that could metabolize lactic acid from AW faster than its parent strain was isolated through adaptive laboratory evolution. A lactose-negative mutant of Lactococcus lactis was generated to eliminate galactose, and co-cultured with G6006 to maximize the removal of both lactic acid and galactose. The microbially filtered AW could be easily spray dried into stable lactose powder.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Shahana Bishnoi, Xiaoli Liu, Lasse Hojlund Eklund Thamdrup, Ritika Singh Petersen, Leticia Hosta-Rigau, Stephan Sylvest Keller
Summary: This article introduces a novel two-step fabrication technique for the development of biocompatible microgel shapes for oral drug administration. UV-initiated crosslinking of aqueous solutions at ambient temperatures is used to form two-dimensional microgel shapes, without the need for high temperatures, solvents, and multiple processing steps. The successful loading of a fluorescently labeled model biomacromolecule, bovine serum albumin, onto the microgel shapes is demonstrated by fluorescence microscopy. In vitro studies further quantify the macromolecular content and release profile associated with the fabricated microgel shapes.
MICRO AND NANO ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Stephanie Ingemann Bisgaard, Long Quang Nguyen, Katrine Lindholm Bogh, Stephan Sylvest Keller
Summary: Microneedle-based sensors have been introduced as a novel strategy for in situ monitoring of biomarkers in the skin. In this study, silicon microneedles with different dimensions and shapes were evaluated for their ability to penetrate the skin. It was found that triangular microneedles require the lowest force for skin penetration.
BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Pi Westi Bondegaard, Anders Meyer Torp, Priscila Guerra, Katja Ann Kristensen, Juliane Fjelrad Christfort, Karen Angeliki Krogfelt, Line Hagner Nielsen, Kinga Zor, Anja Boisen, Martin Steen Mortensen, Martin Iain Bahl, Tine Rask Licht
Summary: The use of microcontainers did not provide a competitive advantage for the probiotic E. coli Nissle in colonizing the gut of mice. Alternative approaches are needed to enhance the competitive capacity of EcN in the gut.
FEMS MICROBIOLOGY LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Juliane Fjelrad Christfort, Carmen Milian-Guimera, Khorshid Kamguyan, Morten Borre Hansen, Line Hagner Nielsen, Lasse Hojlund Eklund Thamdrup, Kinga Zor, Anja Boisen
Summary: Combination drug therapy is commonly used to treat various diseases, but faces challenges with patient compliance and toxicology. This study develops engineered microdevices with dual compartments for sequential drug release and demonstrates their effectiveness in in vitro and in vivo studies.
ADVANCED THERAPEUTICS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Tien-Jen Chang, Line Hagner Nielsen, Anja Boisen, En-Te Hwu
Summary: In this study, an open-source force analyzer utilizing an optical pickup-unit was developed for measuring adhesive forces in the micro-Newton range. The analyzer demonstrated a wide force-sensing range and adjustability, making it suitable for investigating mucoadhesion and measuring forces of oral drug delivery microdevices. It has the potential for various force sensing applications.
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Jesper Y. Pan, Babak Rezaei, Thomas A. Anhoj, Niels B. Larsen, Stephan S. Keller
Summary: A novel hybrid method combining UV photolithography and additive manufacturing was used to fabricate high aspect ratio 3D pyrolytic carbon electrodes with high structural integrity. The hybrid polymer structures were converted into 3D carbon electrodes using a pyrolysis process, and electrochemical experiments confirmed their conductivity.
MICRO AND NANO ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Juliane Fjelrad Christfort, Chrysillis Judy Magaard Polhaus, Pi Westi Bondegaard, Tien-Jen Chang, En Te Hwu, Line Hagner Nielsen, Kinga Zor, Anja Boisen
Summary: This study proposes a custom-designed anaerobic in vitro release setup that enables the study of the release rate and survival of oxygen-sensitive probiotics in simulated intestinal conditions. The setup, combined with state-of-the-art pharmaceutical dissolution equipment, has been proven effective for measuring the release of probiotics and small-molecule APIs.
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Bruno Galizia, Patrick Fiorenza, Corrado Bongiorno, Bela Pecz, Zsolt Fogarassy, Emanuela Schiliro, Filippo Giannazzo, Fabrizio Roccaforte, Raffaella Lo Nigro
Summary: This study demonstrates the growth of oriented AlN thin films on 4H-SiC substrates using PE-ALD technique, and investigates the impact of NH3 plasma pulsing on the microstructure and orientation degree of the AlN layers. The structural characterization reveals different polymorphic structures depending on the NH3 plasma pulsing time, and electrical nanoscopic characterization shows a correlation between the AlN crystalline phases and the insulating properties.
MICROELECTRONIC ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Theo Levert, Alter Zakhtser, Julien Duval, Chloe Raguenez, Stephane Verdier, Delphine Le Cunff, Jean-Herve Tortai, Bernard Pelissier
Summary: In this study, the robustness of optical constants and optical band gap determination of three different materials is compared using a combination of spectroscopic ellipsometry and energy loss signal of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The hybridization of these two techniques provides a new robust method for determining the band gap of the studied materials and other optical properties over a wide energy range.
MICROELECTRONIC ENGINEERING
(2024)
