Transdermal microneedles
have captured the attention of researchers
in relation to a variety of applications, and silicone-based molds
required to produce these systems are now widely available and can
be readily manufactured on the lab bench. The production of nanocomposite
microneedle arrays through micromolding techniques is described. The
formulation of nanoparticulate carbon along with pH sensitive cellulose
acetate phthalate as a polymeric binder is shown to produce conductive
microneedles whose swelling/dissolution properties can be controlled
electrochemically. Through exploiting hydrogen evolution at the microneedle
array, changes in local pH can induce swelling within the needle structure
and could lay the foundations for a new approach to the smart device
controlled delivery of therapeutic agents. The surface modification
of the carbon needles with palladium and cysteine is critically assessed
from sensing and drug delivery perspectives.
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