Researchers at IIT Kharagpur have developed a microneedle which is capable of administering large drug molecules in a painless way.
The institute’s Department of Electronics and Electrical Communication Engineering have decreased the diameter of the needles and increased its strength so that they don’t break while penetrating the skin.
Professor Tarun Kanti Bhattacharyya said that the typical use could be in insulin delivery or medication for diseases of the lymphatic system, skin and also including some forms of cancer, and even the COVID-19 vaccine. Elaborating on the design and mechanism of the microneedle he said that, the needles have been fabricated with high strength glass carbon is able to withstand the skin’s resistive forces. An ionic polymer metal composite membrane based micropump has been designed which increases the flow rate of the drug molecules in a controlled and precise manner. They have integrated the microneedle and micropump to achieve the controlled drug delivery. It will also find an extensive usage in transdermal medication.