Structural and performance comparison between SU-8 microfabricated and 3D-printed microneedle electrodes

Abstract

Aim: This study is aimed to compare the structure and performance of 3D-printed and microfabricated microneedle arrays (MNAs). Materials & methods: MNAs were produced using either stereolithography printing or were micro-fabricated using SU-8 polymer. The structure of both MNA types were tested and compared through scanning electron microscopy. MNA performance was also evaluated through electrical impedence spectroscopy and nerve conduction velocity testing. Results & conclusion: The 3D-printed MNAs were shown to have higher gain than microfabricated MNAs at high frequencies. However, the selectivity of the microfabricated MNAs is more than 3D-printed MNAs. Scanning electron microscopy image comparison also showed significant differences between the output of the 3D-printed MNAs and the microfabricated MNAs. It was understood that the microfabricated MNAs’ geometries are closer to the primary design than the 3D-printed MNAs.