Developing a cost effective Advanced Microneedle Manufacturing Process (AMMP)

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Microfabricated microneedle arrays promise painless blood extraction and drug infusion by penetrating only the upper part of the skin, avoiding the nerves. This project entails the development of a scalable process of a rapid, inexpensive, manufacturing method for solid microneedles, building on preliminary proof of concept research. This grant will support the advancement of this manufacturing process to a commercializable level, wherein this novel process can be licensed and transferred to existing industries/foundries, help establish industry partnerships, or spun out into a startup company.Microfabrication methods are ideal to create solid microneedle arrays, as the materials are biocompatible, robust and designed for large-scale integration with other micro manufacturing processes. We have demonstrated a new method to make solid microneedle arrays. This project will develop the current technology into an efficient and reliable fabrication process using automated technologies, enabling new designs of large area, high-density arrays to be manufactured in a repeatable, reliable, cost efficient, and extremely timely process (devices can be made and tested the same day at speeds of ~1 microneedle per second). This project will create a new biomedical device industry, giving Alberta and Canada a competitive edge in this highly competitive area, and will lead to reduced healthcare expenditure.