ETD

• microfabrication
• microneedles

This thesis work has the objective to demonstrate the possibility to realize effective polymeric microneedle arrays for biomedical applications thanks to a novel projection micro-stereo lithography technique. The capability of this technique to realize structures suitable for transdermal applicatons will be demonstrated. Moreover, the possibility to obtain a multi-material bioinspired self-actuating microneedle structure with improved adhesion after piercing into human skin has been explored as well. Self-actuation will be given by the thermo-responsive behavior of the embedded hydrogel substrate which swells at low temperature and shrinks at high temperature. The shrinkage of the hydrogel will expose a square-wave profile along the microneedle surface and consequently it will increase the overall roughness of the surface. Thanks to the additional adhesive force achieved by the increased roughness of the needle surface, it will be easier to keep the device on place and so make the measurement of biologic values or the delivery of drugs (depending on the application) more accurate and effective.