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Published online by Cambridge University Press: 01 February 2011
Two-photon polymerization (2PP) is a novel technology for the fabrication of complex three-dimensional (3D) microstructures. The number of applications employing this technology is rapidly increasing, and includes the fabrication of three-dimensional photonic crystals [1-4], medical devices, and scaffolds for tissue engineering [5, 6]. We have used 2PP to fabricate microneedle arrays with various geometries. These devices provide a unique approach for transdermal delivery of nucleic acid- and protein-based pharmacologic agents. Many of issues associated with conventional intravenous drug administration, including pain to the patient, trauma at the injection site, and difficulty in providing sustained release of a pharmacological agent, may be eliminated by applying the microneedles. The effect of microneedle geometry (e.g., tip sharpness and aspect ratio) on skin penetration was examined. Our results indicate that microneedles created using 2PP technique are suitable for in vivo use, and integration with next generation MEMS- and NEMS-based drug delivery devices.