Current Trends in Microneedles: Design, Fabrication and Applications

Dear Colleagues,

During the pandemic, there was an increased focus on the microneedles used for vaccine delivery, with the commencing of clinical trials. In the commercial space, polymer microneedle arrays for cosmetic application have been approved in many jurisdictions, and microneedle manufacturing facilities for pharmaceutics have been constructed. As microneedle research is interdisciplinary, requiring expertise in microfabrication, manufacturing scale up, computer modeling, pharmaceutical formulation, immunology, and pharmacology, the focus of this Special Issue will be on the current trends and advancements related to the design, fabrication, and applications of microneedles and microneedle arrays/patches.

Topics will include the fundamental materials science of microneedles, skin insertion mechanics, applicators, drug delivery, biosensing, traditional microneedle manufacturing processes such as photolithography and polymer injection molding, and emerging micro-additive/hybrid fabrication technologies such as multi-material 3D printing and laser sintering. All types of microneedles will be covered, including hollow, solid, coated, and dissolvable needles. We also welcome submissions that discuss manufacturing supply chain issues specific to microneedles, such as repeatability, reliability, scale up, sterilization, storage, usage, and disposal.

We look forward to showcasing your research papers, communications, and review articles.

Dr. Colin Dalton
Guest Editor

Dr. Thomas M. Lijnse
Guest Editor Assistant

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