Pulsating microneedles a pain-free alternative to traditional needles

Needles designed to be less than 1mm in length painlessly penetrate the outer layer of the skin and deliver medication into the body, according to new research by a team from Griffith University and University of Newcastle.

The new transdermal drug delivery using pulsating, fabricated microneedles presents a promising alternative to traditional subcutaneous injections. The “pulsating in situ dried electro stretching” (PIDES) method is published in the journal Small Methods.

“Existing fabrication methods such as micro molding, wet etching and 3D printing are often complex, expensive and may not be ideal for some temperature-sensitive drugs,” said Luan Mai, a Ph.D. candidate and co-author of the study.

“We wanted to make microneedle production simpler, more efficient and better suited for drug delivery,” said Dr. Yuen Yong, a co-author from the University of Newcastle.

The team’s technique used a pulsed, electro-hydrodynamic force generated between two metallic plates to stretch and shape polymer droplets into fine conical structures.

As the solvent evaporated, the polymer solidified into a microneedle with a sharp and rigid tip, ideal for painless skin penetration.

The researchers tested these microneedles on agarose gel and pig skins, confirming their mechanical strength and ability to pierce skin effectively.

They also tested drug encapsulation using curcumin, a model compound, and demonstrated a controlled time-dependent drug release profile, confirming the system’s compatibility with physiological conditions.

“Our technique represents an alternative method of microneedle manufacturing,” said Dr. Van Dau, from Griffith University’s School of Engineering and Built Environment.

“By integrating in situ drying with electrostretching, we’ve simplified the process while ensuring high performance, repeatability, and drug compatibility.

“The PIDES technique is low cost and scalable, allowing multiple microneedles to be fabricated without compromising quality.”

Looking ahead, the team planned to further optimize the technique and explore the development of an on-demand microneedle array system, aimed at enhancing flexibility and precision in drug delivery applications.

Dr. Dau said it could lead to new pathways to more accessible and patient-friendly treatments for drug delivery, however the project was still in its early stages.

Rethinking how drugs are administered: A breakthrough in microneedle patches