Active integrated fabrication method and evaluation of polymer with microneedles LED light source integration

Abstract This article proposes a new process for fabricating a polymer microneedles (MNs) patch integrated with an LED light source (LED-HEMA/MN, LH-MN) using ultraviolet (UV) curing technology. Hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) is used as the base material, with a focus on studying the active integrated fabrication process of the MNs patch. The study also investigates the morphology, size, mechanical properties, ex vivo skin penetration performance, operating temperature, and performance optimization of the LH-MN. The experimental results show that the LH-MN fabricated using the optimal process has a good appearance, high molding rate, short production cycle, and excellent mechanical properties. It can effectively penetrate the skin without the risk of thermal injury. In addition, the MNs patch (LED-HEMA/HEA-MN, LHH-MN) prepared by optimizing and modifying with hydroxyethyl acrylate (HEA) possesses good flexibility and mechanical properties. It can adapt to different shapes and locations of the affected area, greatly enhancing the practicality of the MNs.