title: Microneedle insertion force reduction using vibratory actuation.
abstract: The effect of vibratory actuation on microneedle insertion force was investigated. Hollow micro hypodermic injection needles were fabricated by a two-wafer polysilicon micromolding process. A vibratory actuator operating in the kHz range was coupled with the hypodermic microneedles. The force to insert microneedles into excized animal tissue was measured with a load cell. Results showed a greater than 70% reduction in microneedle insertion force by using vibratory actuation. The application of vibratory actuation provides a promising method to precisely control the microneedle insertion forces to overcome microneedle structural material limitations, minimize insertion pain, and enhance the efficiency of drug delivery.
authors.affiliation: Department of Bioengineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park 16802, USA.
authors.forename: Ming
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.forename: Jeffrey D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Zahn
mesh_terms: D016503:Drug Delivery Systems / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D004867:Equipment Design; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis; D007267:Injections / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D008845:Microinjections / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D008846:Micromanipulation / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D008904:Miniaturization / Q000379:methods; D009339:Needles; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D014732:Vibration