1
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Aldawood FK, Andar A, Desai S. Investigating Laser Ablation Process Parameters for the Fabrication of Customized Microneedle Arrays for Therapeutic Applications. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:885. [PMID: 39065582 PMCID: PMC11279485 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16070885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2024] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Microneedles are an innovation in the field of medicine that have the potential to revolutionize drug delivery, diagnostics, and cosmetic treatments. This innovation provides a minimally invasive means to deliver drugs, vaccines, and other therapeutic substances into the skin. This research investigates the design and manufacture of customized microneedle arrays using laser ablation. Laser ablation was performed using an ytterbium laser on a polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) substrate to create a mold for casting polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microneedles. An experimental design was conducted to evaluate the effect of process parameters including laser pulse power, pulse width, pulse repetition, interval between pulses, and laser profile on the desired geometry of the microneedles. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) model showed that lasing interval, laser power, and pulse width had the highest influence on the output metrics (diameter and height) of the microneedle. The microneedle dimensions showed an increase with higher pulse width and vice versa with an increase in pulse interval. A response surface model indicated that the laser pulse width and interval (independent variables) significantly affect the response diameter and height (dependent variable). A predictive model was generated to predict the microneedle topology and aspect ratio varying from 0.8 to 1.5 based on the variation in critical input process parameters. This research lays the foundation for the design and fabrication of customized microneedles based on variations in specific input parameters for therapeutic applications in dermal sensors, drug delivery, and vaccine delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faisal Khaled Aldawood
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Bisha, P.O. Box 001, Bisha 67714, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Abhay Andar
- Translational Life Science Technology, University of Maryland Baltimore County, 1000 Hilltop Circle, Baltimore, MD 21250, USA;
| | - Salil Desai
- Center for Excellence in Product Design and Advanced Manufacturing, North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, NC 27411, USA
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2
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Sharma MB, Abdelmohsen HAM, Kap Ö, Kilic V, Horzum N, Cheneler D, Hardy JG. Poly(2-Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate) Hydrogel-Based Microneedles for Bioactive Release. Bioengineering (Basel) 2024; 11:649. [PMID: 39061731 PMCID: PMC11273839 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering11070649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Microneedle arrays are minimally invasive devices that have been extensively investigated for the transdermal/intradermal delivery of drugs/bioactives. Here, we demonstrate the release of bioactive molecules (estradiol, melatonin and meropenem) from poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate), pHEMA, hydrogel-based microneedle patches in vitro. The pHEMA hydrogel microneedles had mechanical properties that were sufficiently robust to penetrate soft tissues (exemplified here by phantom tissues). The bioactive release from the pHEMA hydrogel-based microneedles was fitted to various models (e.g., zero order, first order, second order). Such pHEMA microneedles have potential application in the transdermal delivery of bioactives (exemplified here by estradiol, melatonin and meropenem) for the treatment of various conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manoj B. Sharma
- Department of Chemistry, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YB, UK
- School of Engineering, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YW, UK
| | - Hend A. M. Abdelmohsen
- School of Engineering, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YW, UK
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, African Union Organization Street, Abbassia, Cairo 11566, Egypt
| | - Özlem Kap
- Department of Engineering Sciences, Izmir Katip Celebi University, Izmir 35620, Türkiye (N.H.)
| | - Volkan Kilic
- Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Izmir Katip Celebi University, Izmir 35620, Türkiye;
| | - Nesrin Horzum
- Department of Engineering Sciences, Izmir Katip Celebi University, Izmir 35620, Türkiye (N.H.)
| | - David Cheneler
- School of Engineering, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YW, UK
| | - John G. Hardy
- Department of Chemistry, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YB, UK
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3
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Nguyen MA, Dinh NT, Do Thi MH, Nguyen Thi D, Pham UT, Tran TQ, Nguyen VM, Le NH, Nguyen DT, Pham DTN. Simple and Rapid Method of Microwell Array Fabrication for Drug Testing on 3D Cancer Spheroids. ACS OMEGA 2024; 9:16949-16958. [PMID: 38645317 PMCID: PMC11024980 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c05873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) cell culture systems are becoming increasingly popular due to their ability to mimic the complex process of angiogenesis in cancer, providing more accurate and physiologically relevant data than traditional two-dimensional (2D) cell culture systems. Microwell systems are particularly useful in this context as they provide a microenvironment that more closely resembles the in vivo environment than traditional microwells. Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) microwells are particularly advantageous due to their bio-inertness and the ability to tailor their material characteristics depending on the PEG molecular weight. Although there are several methods available for microwell fabrication, most of them are time-consuming and expensive. The current study utilizes a low-cost laser etching technique on poly(methyl methacrylate) materials followed by molding with PDMS to produce microwells. The optimal conditions for making concave microwells are an engraving parameter speed of 600 mm/s, power of 20%, and a design diameter of the microwell of 0.4 mm. The artificial tumor achieved its full size after 7 days of cell growth in a microwell system, and the cells developed drugs through a live/dead assay test. The results of the drug testing revealed that the IC50 value of zerumbone-loaded liposomes in HepG2 was 4.53 pM, which is greater than the IC50 value of zerumbone. The HepG2 cancer sphere's 3D platform for medication testing revealed that zerumbone-loaded liposomes were very effective at high doses. These findings generally imply that zerumbone-loaded liposomes have the capacity to target the liver and maintain medication delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mai Anh Nguyen
- Institute
for Tropical Technology, Vietnam Academy
of Science and Technology (VAST), 18 Hoang Quoc Viet st., Cau Giay dist., Hanoi 100000, Vietnam
| | - Nhung Thi Dinh
- Hanoi
University of Science and Technology (HUST), 1 Dai Co Viet st., Hai Ba Trung
dist., Hanoi 100000, Vietnam
| | - My Hanh Do Thi
- Institute
for Tropical Technology, Vietnam Academy
of Science and Technology (VAST), 18 Hoang Quoc Viet st., Cau Giay dist., Hanoi 100000, Vietnam
| | - Dung Nguyen Thi
- Institute
for Tropical Technology, Vietnam Academy
of Science and Technology (VAST), 18 Hoang Quoc Viet st., Cau Giay dist., Hanoi 100000, Vietnam
| | - Uyen Thu Pham
- Institute
for Tropical Technology, Vietnam Academy
of Science and Technology (VAST), 18 Hoang Quoc Viet st., Cau Giay dist., Hanoi 100000, Vietnam
- University
of Science and Technology of Hanoi (USTH), Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST), 18 Hoang Quoc Viet st., Cau Giay
dist., Hanoi 100000, Vietnam
| | - Toan Quoc Tran
- Graduate
University of Science and Technology, Vietnam
Academy of Science and Technology (VAST), 18 Hoang Quoc Viet st., Cau Giay dist., Hanoi 100000, Vietnam
- Institute
of Natural Products Chemistry, Vietnam Academy
of Science and Technology (VAST), 18 Hoang Quoc Viet St., Cau Giay Dist., Hanoi 100000, Vietnam
| | - Vuong Minh Nguyen
- Institute
of Natural Products Chemistry, Vietnam Academy
of Science and Technology (VAST), 18 Hoang Quoc Viet St., Cau Giay Dist., Hanoi 100000, Vietnam
| | - Nhung Hong Le
- Graduate
University of Science and Technology, Vietnam
Academy of Science and Technology (VAST), 18 Hoang Quoc Viet st., Cau Giay dist., Hanoi 100000, Vietnam
- Institute
of Natural Products Chemistry, Vietnam Academy
of Science and Technology (VAST), 18 Hoang Quoc Viet St., Cau Giay Dist., Hanoi 100000, Vietnam
| | - Duong Thanh Nguyen
- Institute
for Tropical Technology, Vietnam Academy
of Science and Technology (VAST), 18 Hoang Quoc Viet st., Cau Giay dist., Hanoi 100000, Vietnam
- Graduate
University of Science and Technology, Vietnam
Academy of Science and Technology (VAST), 18 Hoang Quoc Viet st., Cau Giay dist., Hanoi 100000, Vietnam
| | - Dung Thuy Nguyen Pham
- NTT Institute
of Applied Technology and Sustainable Development, Nguyen Tat Thanh University, Ho
Chi Minh City 70000, Vietnam
- Faculty
of Environmental and Food Engineering, Nguyen
Tat Thanh University, Ho Chi Minh
City 70000, Vietnam
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4
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Che Ab Rahman A, Matteini P, Kim SH, Hwang B, Lim S. Development of stretchable microneedle arrays via single-step digital light-processing printing for delivery of rhodamine B into skin tissue. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 262:129987. [PMID: 38342256 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.129987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
This paper introduces a novel approach for loading and releasing Rhodamine B (RhB) into the skin using minimally-invasive microneedle technology developed through digital light-processing (DLP) printing. Notably, this process involves the direct 3D fabrication of rigid microneedle arrays affixed to a flexible patch, marking a pioneering application of DLP printing in this context. The stretchable and durable design of the microneedle substrate enables it to adapt to dynamic movements associated with human activities. Moreover, the microneedle features a pore on each side of the pyramid needle, effectively optimizing its drug-loading capabilities. Results indicate that the microneedle patch can withstand up to 50 % strain without failure and successfully penetrates rat skin. In vitro drug release profiles, conducted through artificial and rat skin, were observed over a 70 h period. This study establishes the potential of a simple manufacturing process for the creation of pore-designed microneedle arrays with a stretchable substrate, showcasing their viability in transdermal drug delivery applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aqila Che Ab Rahman
- Department of Flexible and Printable Electronics, LANL-JBNU Engineering Institute-Korea, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju 54896, Republic of Korea
| | - Paolo Matteini
- Institute of Applied Physics "Nello Carrara", Italian National Research Council, via Madonna del Piano 10, Sesto Fiorentino I-50019, Italy
| | - Se Hyun Kim
- School of Chemical Engineering, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea.
| | - Byungil Hwang
- School of Integrative Engineering, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 06974, Republic of Korea.
| | - Sooman Lim
- Department of Flexible and Printable Electronics, LANL-JBNU Engineering Institute-Korea, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju 54896, Republic of Korea.
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Hu Y, Chatzilakou E, Pan Z, Traverso G, Yetisen AK. Microneedle Sensors for Point-of-Care Diagnostics. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2306560. [PMID: 38225744 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202306560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
Point-of-care (POC) has the capacity to support low-cost, accurate and real-time actionable diagnostic data. Microneedle sensors have received considerable attention as an emerging technique to evolve blood-based diagnostics owing to their direct and painless access to a rich source of biomarkers from interstitial fluid. This review systematically summarizes the recent innovations in microneedle sensors with a particular focus on their utility in POC diagnostics and personalized medicine. The integration of various sensing techniques, mostly electrochemical and optical sensing, has been established in diverse architectures of "lab-on-a-microneedle" platforms. Microneedle sensors with tailored geometries, mechanical flexibility, and biocompatibility are constructed with a variety of materials and fabrication methods. Microneedles categorized into four types: metals, inorganics, polymers, and hydrogels, have been elaborated with state-of-the-art bioengineering strategies for minimally invasive, continuous, and multiplexed sensing. Microneedle sensors have been employed to detect a wide range of biomarkers from electrolytes, metabolites, polysaccharides, nucleic acids, proteins to drugs. Insightful perspectives are outlined from biofluid, microneedles, biosensors, POC devices, and theragnostic instruments, which depict a bright future of the upcoming personalized and intelligent health management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yubing Hu
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Eleni Chatzilakou
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Zhisheng Pan
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Giovanni Traverso
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Ali K Yetisen
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
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6
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Guo W, Chen Z, Feng Z, Li H, Zhang M, Zhang H, Cui X. Fabrication of Concave Microwells and Their Applications in Micro-Tissue Engineering: A Review. MICROMACHINES 2022; 13:mi13091555. [PMID: 36144178 PMCID: PMC9505614 DOI: 10.3390/mi13091555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
At present, there is an increasing need to mimic the in vivo micro-environment in the culture of cells and tissues in micro-tissue engineering. Concave microwells are becoming increasingly popular since they can provide a micro-environment that is closer to the in vivo environment compared to traditional microwells, which can facilitate the culture of cells and tissues. Here, we will summarize the fabrication methods of concave microwells, as well as their applications in micro-tissue engineering. The fabrication methods of concave microwells include traditional methods, such as lithography and etching, thermal reflow of photoresist, laser ablation, precision-computerized numerical control (CNC) milling, and emerging technologies, such as surface tension methods, the deformation of soft membranes, 3D printing, the molding of microbeads, air bubbles, and frozen droplets. The fabrication of concave microwells is transferring from professional microfabrication labs to common biochemical labs to facilitate their applications and provide convenience for users. Concave microwells have mostly been used in organ-on-a-chip models, including the formation and culture of 3D cell aggregates (spheroids, organoids, and embryoids). Researchers have also used microwells to study the influence of substrate topology on cellular behaviors. We will briefly review their applications in different aspects of micro-tissue engineering and discuss the further applications of concave microwells. We believe that building multiorgan-on-a-chip by 3D cell aggregates of different cell lines will be a popular application of concave microwells, while integrating physiologically relevant molecular analyses with the 3D culture platform will be another popular application in the near future. Furthermore, 3D cell aggregates from these biosystems will find more applications in drug screening and xenogeneic implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weijin Guo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Shantou University, Shantou 515063, China
| | - Zejingqiu Chen
- Department of Biology, Shantou University, Shantou 515063, China
| | - Zitao Feng
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Shantou University, Shantou 515063, China
| | - Haonan Li
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Shantou University, Shantou 515063, China
| | - Muyang Zhang
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Shantou University, Shantou 515063, China
| | - Huiru Zhang
- Guangdong Foshan Lianchuang Graduate School of Engineering, Foshan 528311, China
| | - Xin Cui
- Key Laboratory of Biomaterials of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
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Liao FC, Wang YK, Cheng MY, Tu TY. A Preliminary Investigation of Embedding In Vitro HepaRG Spheroids into Recombinant Human Collagen Type I for the Promotion of Liver Differentiation. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:polym14091923. [PMID: 35567092 PMCID: PMC9103061 DOI: 10.3390/polym14091923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: In vitro three-dimensional (3D) hepatic spheroid culture has shown great promise in toxicity testing because it better mimics the cell–cell and cell–matrix interactions found in in vivo conditions than that of the traditional two-dimensional (2D) culture. Despite embedding HepaRG spheroids with collagen type I (collagen I) extracellular matrix (ECM) revealed a much better differentiation capability, almost all the collagen utilized in in vitro hepatocytes cultures is animal-derived collagen that may limit its use in human toxicity testing. Method: Here, a preliminary investigation of HepaRG cells cultured in different dimensionalities and with the addition of ECM was performed. Comparisons of conventional 2D culture with 3D spheroid culture were performed based on their functional or structural differences over 7 days. Rat tail collagen (rtCollagen) I and recombinant human collagen (rhCollagen) I were investigated for their ability in promoting HepaRG spheroid differentiation. Results: An immunofluorescence analysis of the hepatocyte-specific functional protein albumin suggested that HepaRG spheroids demonstrated better hepatic function than spheroids from 2D culture, and the function of HepaRG spheroids improved in a time-dependent manner. The fluorescence intensities per unit area of spheroids formed by 1000 cells on days 7 and 10 were 25.41 and 45.38, respectively, whereas almost undetectable fluorescence was obtained with 2D cells. In addition, the embedding of HepaRG spheroids into rtCollagen and rhCollagen I showed that HepaRG differentiation can be accelerated relative to the differentiation of spheroids grown in suspension, demonstrating the great promise of HepaRG spheroids. Conclusions: The culture conditions established in this study provide a potentially novel alternative for promoting the differentiation of HepaRG spheroids into mature hepatocytes through a collagen-embedded in vitro liver spheroid model. This culture method is envisioned to provide insights for future drug toxicology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang-Chun Liao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70101, Taiwan; (F.-C.L.); (M.-Y.C.)
| | - Yang-Kao Wang
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70101, Taiwan;
| | - Ming-Yang Cheng
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70101, Taiwan; (F.-C.L.); (M.-Y.C.)
| | - Ting-Yuan Tu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70101, Taiwan; (F.-C.L.); (M.-Y.C.)
- Medical Device Innovation Center, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70101, Taiwan
- International Center for Wound Repair and Regeneration, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70101, Taiwan
- Correspondence:
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Trends in Drug- and Vaccine-based Dissolvable Microneedle Materials and Methods of Fabrication. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2022; 173:54-72. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2022.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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Faraji Rad Z, Prewett PD, Davies GJ. An overview of microneedle applications, materials, and fabrication methods. BEILSTEIN JOURNAL OF NANOTECHNOLOGY 2021; 12:1034-1046. [PMID: 34621614 PMCID: PMC8450954 DOI: 10.3762/bjnano.12.77] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Microneedle-based microdevices promise to expand the scope for delivery of vaccines and therapeutic agents through the skin and withdrawing biofluids for point-of-care diagnostics - so-called theranostics. Unskilled and painless applications of microneedle patches for blood collection or drug delivery are two of the advantages of microneedle arrays over hypodermic needles. Developing the necessary microneedle fabrication processes has the potential to dramatically impact the health care delivery system by changing the landscape of fluid sampling and subcutaneous drug delivery. Microneedle designs which range from sub-micron to millimetre feature sizes are fabricated using the tools of the microelectronics industry from metals, silicon, and polymers. Various types of subtractive and additive manufacturing processes have been used to manufacture microneedles, but the development of microneedle-based systems using conventional subtractive methods has been constrained by the limitations and high cost of microfabrication technology. Additive manufacturing processes such as 3D printing and two-photon polymerization fabrication are promising transformative technologies developed in recent years. The present article provides an overview of microneedle systems applications, designs, material selection, and manufacturing methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Faraji Rad
- School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, University of Southern Queensland, Springfield Central, QLD 4300, Australia
| | - Philip D Prewett
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom
- Oxacus Ltd, Dorchester-on-Thames, OX10 7HN, United Kingdom
| | - Graham J Davies
- Faculty of Engineering, UNSW Australia, NSW 2052, Australia
- College of Engineering & Physical Sciences, School of Engineering, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, United Kingdom
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Pinho D, Santos D, Vila A, Carvalho S. Establishment of Colorectal Cancer Organoids in Microfluidic-Based System. MICROMACHINES 2021; 12:497. [PMID: 33924829 PMCID: PMC8146416 DOI: 10.3390/mi12050497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Significant advances in the molecular mechanisms underlying colorectal cancer have been made; however, the clinical approval of new drugs faces many challenges. Drug discovery is a lengthy process causing a rapid increase in global health care costs. Patient-derived tumour organoids are considered preclinical models with the potential for preclinical drug screening, prediction of patient outcomes, and guiding optimized therapy strategies at an individual level. Combining microfluidic technology with 3D tumour organoid models to recapitulate tumour organization and in vivo functions led to the development of an appropriate preclinical tumour model, organoid-on-a-chip, paving the way for personalized cancer medicine. Herein, a low-cost microfluidic device suitable for culturing and expanding organoids, OrganoidChip, was developed. Patient-derived colorectal cancer organoids were cultured within OrganoidChip, and their viability and proliferative activity increased significantly. No significant differences were verified in the organoids' response to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) treatment on-chip and on-plate. However, the culture within the OrganoidChip led to a significant increase in colorectal cancer organoid-forming efficiency and overall size compared with conventional culture on a 24-well plate. Interestingly, early-stage and late-stage organoids were predominantly observed on-plate and within the OrganoidChip, respectively. The OrganoidChip thus has the potential to generate in vivo-like organotypic structures for disease modelling and drug screening applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Pinho
- International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory, Department of Nanoelectronics Engineering, 4715-330 Braga, Portugal;
| | - Denis Santos
- International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory, Department of Nanoelectronics Engineering, 4715-330 Braga, Portugal;
| | - Ana Vila
- International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory, IP Exploitation and Knowledge Transfer, 4715-330 Braga, Portugal;
| | - Sandra Carvalho
- International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory, Department of Nanoelectronics Engineering, 4715-330 Braga, Portugal;
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He J, Zhang Z, Zheng X, Li L, Qi J, Wu W, Lu Y. Design and Evaluation of Dissolving Microneedles for Enhanced Dermal Delivery of Propranolol Hydrochloride. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13040579. [PMID: 33921712 PMCID: PMC8072810 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13040579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Oral propranolol hydrochloride has been the first-line treatment for infantile hemangioma (IH), whereas systemic exposure to propranolol has the potential of causing serious adverse reactions. Dermal delivery of propranolol is preferable due to high local drug concentration and fewer adverse effects. However, propranolol hydrochloride (BCS class I) is highly hydrophilic and has difficulty in penetrating the stratum corneum (SC) barrier. Dissolving microneedles (MNs) are an efficient tool for overcoming the barrier of the SC and enhancing dermal drug delivery. In this study, propranolol hydrochloride-loaded dissolving MNs were fabricated by using hyaluronic acid and polyvinyl pyrrolidone as matrix materials. Controllable drug loading in needle tips was achieved by a two-step casting procedure. The needles were good in mechanical strength for penetrating the SC while presented excellent dissolving capability for releasing propranolol hydrochloride. In comparison with the solution counterpart, irrespective of being applied to intact skin or solid MNs-pretreated skin, dissolving MNs significantly increased the permeability and skin retention of propranolol. In conclusion, dissolving MNs could be a potential approach for enhancing dermal delivery of propranolol to treat IH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing He
- Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery of MOE, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, China; (J.H.); (Z.Z.); (X.Z.); (L.L.); (J.Q.); (W.W.)
| | - Zichen Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery of MOE, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, China; (J.H.); (Z.Z.); (X.Z.); (L.L.); (J.Q.); (W.W.)
| | - Xianzi Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery of MOE, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, China; (J.H.); (Z.Z.); (X.Z.); (L.L.); (J.Q.); (W.W.)
| | - Lu Li
- Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery of MOE, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, China; (J.H.); (Z.Z.); (X.Z.); (L.L.); (J.Q.); (W.W.)
| | - Jianping Qi
- Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery of MOE, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, China; (J.H.); (Z.Z.); (X.Z.); (L.L.); (J.Q.); (W.W.)
| | - Wei Wu
- Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery of MOE, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, China; (J.H.); (Z.Z.); (X.Z.); (L.L.); (J.Q.); (W.W.)
- Center for Medical Research and Innovation, Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University Pudong Medical Center, Shanghai 201399, China
| | - Yi Lu
- Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery of MOE, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, China; (J.H.); (Z.Z.); (X.Z.); (L.L.); (J.Q.); (W.W.)
- Correspondence:
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12
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A bilayer microneedle for therapeutic peptide delivery towards the treatment of diabetes in db/db mice. J Drug Deliv Sci Technol 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jddst.2021.102336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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