Developing a cost effective Advanced Microneedle Manufacturing Process (AMMP)

微型制造的微针阵列只穿透皮肤的上部，避免了神经，从而保证了无痛的血液提取和药物输注。该项目需要在初步概念研究的基础上，开发一种快速、廉价的固体微针制造方法的可扩展过程。这笔拨款将支持该制造工艺的商业化水平，其中这种新工艺可以获得许可并转移到现有的工业/铸造厂，帮助建立行业合作伙伴关系，或分拆成一家初创公司。微制造方法是制造固体微针阵列的理想方法，因为这些材料具有生物相容性，坚固耐用，并且设计用于与其他微制造工艺大规模集成。我们展示了一种制造固体微针阵列的新方法。该项目将利用自动化技术将现有技术发展成一种高效可靠的制造工艺，使大面积高密度阵列的新设计能够以可重复、可靠、经济高效和极其及时的工艺制造（设备可以以每秒1微针的速度在同一天制造和测试）。该项目将创造一个新的生物医学设备工业，使阿尔伯塔省和加拿大在这个竞争激烈的领域具有竞争优势，并将减少医疗保健支出。

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.