Understanding the impact of bioactive coating materials for human mesenchymal stromal cells and implications for manufacturing.

Bioactive materials interact with cells and modulate their characteristics which enable the generation of cell-based products with desired specifications. However, their evaluation and impact are often overlooked when establishing a cell therapy manufacturing process. In this study, we investigated the role of different surfaces for tissue culture including, untreated polystyrene surface, uncoated Cyclic Olefin Polymer (COP) and COP coated with collagen and recombinant fibronectin.

Hollow silicon microneedles, fabricated using combined wet and dry etching techniques, for transdermal delivery and diagnostics.

Microneedle-based technologies are the subject of intense research and commercial interest for applications in transdermal delivery and diagnostics, primarily because of their minimally invasive and painless nature, which in turn could lead to increased patient compliance and self-administration. In this paper, a process for the fabrication of arrays of hollow silicon microneedles is described. This method uses just two bulk silicon etches - a front-side wet etch to define the 500 μm tall octagonal needle structure itself, and a rear-side dry etch to create a 50 μm diameter bore through the needle.

A Comparison of Flow- and Pressure-Controlled Infusion Strategies for Microneedle-based Transdermal Drug Delivery.

Microneedle-based transdermal drug delivery is considered an attractive alternative to conventional injections using hypodermic needles due to its minimally invasive and painless nature; this has the potential to improve patient adherence to medication regimens. Hollow microneedles (MNs) are sharp, sub-millimeter protrusions with a channel that serves as a fluidic interface with the skin. This technology could be coupled with micro-pumps, embedded sensors, actuators and electronics to create Micro Transdermal Interface Platforms - smart, wearable infusion systems capable of delivering precise microdoses over a prolonged period.

Towards Micropump- and Microneedle-based Drug Delivery using Micro Transdermal Interface Platforms (MicroTIPs).

Micro Transdermal Interface Platforms (MicroTIPs) will combine minimally invasive microneedle arrays with highly miniaturized sensors, actuators, control electronics, wireless communications and artificial intelligence. These patch-like devices will be capable of autonomous physiological monitoring and transdermal drug delivery, resulting in increased patient adherence and devolved healthcare. In this paper, we experimentally demonstrate the feasibility of controlled transdermal drug delivery using a combination of 500 μm tall silicon microneedles, a commercial micropump, pressure and flow sensors, and bespoke electronics.

Closed-loop wearable naloxone injector system.

Overdoses from non-medical use of opioids can lead to hypoxemic/hypercarbic respiratory failure, cardiac arrest, and death when left untreated. Opioid toxicity is readily reversed with naloxone, a competitive antagonist that can restore respiration. However, there remains a critical need for technologies to administer naloxone in the event of unwitnessed overdose events.