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International Journal of Bioprinting Unique characteristics of 3D-printed microneedles

(laser cutting or laser ablation), and micromolding. 7,8 using computer-aided design (CAD). However, 3D
Each manufacturing process has its unique benefits printing is also confounded by issues concerning material
and challenges in terms of material selection, precision, selection, throughput, and the availability of appropriate
efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. Recently, three- physiological models for evaluating the performance of
dimensional (3D) printing, an additive manufacturing the 3D-printed microneedles. To foster the clinical and
technology, has been investigated and adopted as a very commercial development of microneedles, we must
versatile method for fabricating microneedles. comprehensively identify these challenges in order to be

A number of articles on 3D-printed microneedles able to propose effective solutions. A large portion of this
have been published. Some reports have focused review is devoted to analyzing what unique benefits are
on various 3D printing technologies applicable brought to microneedles by 3D printing methods that are
to microneedle manufacturing and discussed the otherwise impossible to achieve.
applications of 3D-printed microneedles in healthcare This article starts with a concise overview of the
and biomedicine. Olowe et al. reviewed the challenges current state of both traditional manufacturing and
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faced by microneedle manufacturing in general, with a additive manufacturing (3D printing) technologies for
particular emphasis on the regulatory policies imposed microneedles. Next, popular microneedle applications,
by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on such as drug delivery, biosensing, dry electrodes, and
microneedle devices. In this review, we provide a thorough wound management, are surveyed. Then, an in-depth
analysis of the unique benefits and disadvantages of analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of 3D-printed
3D-printed microneedles (as summarized graphically microneedles is presented. Furthermore, potential solutions
in Figure 1). The advantages of using 3D printing for to the challenges inherent to 3D-printed microneedles are
microneedle manufacturing lie in its capability to proposed, and future development goals for 3D-printed
directly create complex geometric shapes as needed microneedles are suggested.

Figure 1. 3D-printed microneedle applications, advantages, and challenges. Inset pictures were reproduced respectively with permission from ref.
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(Copyright © 2021, American Chemical Society); ref. (Copyright © 2022, Springer Nature); ref. (Copyright © 2021, American Chemical Society); and
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ref. (Copyright © 2021, John Wiley and Sons).
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Volume 10 Issue 4 (2024) 62 doi: 10.36922/ijb.1896