# Dissolvable Micro-Needles Researchers Have Developed a 3D-Printed Dissolving Microneedle Array By Justin Lam | Published 2018-03-21 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dissolving-microneedle-array References: [digitaltrends](https://www.digitaltrends.com/cool-tech/dissolving-needles-university-texas/) & [chemrxiv.org](https://chemrxiv.org/articles/Biodegradable_3D_Printed_Polymer_Microneedles_for_Transdermal_Drug_Delivery/5851950) Needles are a fear for many, but recent research coming out of the [University of Texas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3dprinting-resin) at Dallas has lead to a 3D-printed dissolving microneedle array. The innovative new technology utilizes a collection of [microneedles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/goldcoated-microneedlees) that promise painless delivery, and are sure to provide a less-daunting alternative for the needle-phobic. The painless feature of the dissolving microneedle array comes from the minuscule needles that are also incredibly sterile. The dissolving microneedle array has already been tested on pig skin, where they've been shown to be capable of delivering a sample dose of dye beneath the skin. The injection is applied through slight pressure on the needle base, causing the array of needles to break off in the skin. They then deliver the drug payload over time as the needles begin to dissolve. The needles are comprised of a non-toxic polymer polylactide, which is already used effectively in dissolvable stitches. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.7/10 - Popularity: 72% | Activity: 31% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Science](https://www.trendhunter.com/science) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Dissolvable Microneedle Technology:** Opportunity to develop safe and painless alternatives to traditional needles for drug delivery. - **Sterile Microneedle Technology:** Potential for disrupting traditional needle usage and reducing contamination risks in medical procedures. - **3D Printing in Medical Technology:** Increasing use of 3D printing in medical technology to create more efficient and effective delivery systems. ### Who This Affects Most - **Pharmaceuticals:** Opportunity to utilize dissolvable microneedle technology to develop more innovative and patient-friendly drug delivery systems. - **Medical Device Manufacturing:** Potential to disrupt traditional needle manufacturing and pave the way for more cost-effective, safe, and efficient alternatives. - **Biotechnology:** Increasing use of 3D printing technology can be harnessed to create more innovative and effective medical devices and delivery systems. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Wearable Drug Delivery Patches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wearable-injector.md) - [Bulbous Ultrasonic Patches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ultrasonic-patch.md) - [Smooth Medicine Delivery Solutions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/oily-gel-for-medicine.md) - [Revolutionary Insulin Capsules](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/insulin-capsule.md) - [Injection-Free Insulin Patches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cequr-simplicity.md) - [Innovative Vaccine Delivery Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/innovative-vaccine-delivery.md) - [3D Medicine Printers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/doserx1.md) - [Scar Tissue-Evading Implants](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/medical-implant.md) - [Micro-Channel Skincare Gels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dermal-micro-points.md)