Affiliation:
1. Department of Radiology Stanford University Stanford CA 94305 USA
2. Department of Bioengineering Stanford University Stanford CA 94305 USA
3. Department of Chemical Engineering Stanford University Stanford CA 94305 USA
4. Department of Microbiology and Immunology University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill NC 27599 USA
5. Center for Nanotechnology in Drug Delivery and Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics Eshelman School of Pharmacy University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill NC 27599 USA
Abstract
AbstractUsing high‐resolution 3D printing, a novel class of microneedle array patches (MAPs) is introduced, called latticed MAPs (L‐MAPs). Unlike most MAPs which are composed of either solid structures or hollow needles, L‐MAPs incorporate tapered struts that form hollow cells capable of trapping liquid droplets. The lattice structures can also be coated with traditional viscous coating formulations, enabling both liquid‐ and solid‐state cargo delivery, on a single patch. Here, a library of 43 L‐MAP designs is generated and in‐silico modeling is used to down‐select optimal geometries for further characterization. Compared to traditionally molded and solid‐coated MAPs, L‐MAPs can load more cargo with fewer needles per patch, enhancing cargo loading and drug delivery capabilities. Further, L‐MAP cargo release kinetics into the skin can be tuned based on formulation and needle geometry. In this work, the utility of L‐MAPs as a platform is demonstrated for the delivery of small molecules, mRNA lipid nanoparticles, and solid‐state ovalbumin protein. In addition, the production of programmable L‐MAPs is demonstrated with tunable cargo release profiles, enabled by combining needle geometries on a single patch.
Funder
Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
Wellcome Leap