Dissolvable 3D-printed microneedle patch aims to improve localised skin cancer treatment
核心洞察
Researchers at Queen's University Belfast have developed a dissolvable 3D-printed microneedle patch that delivers two anti-cancer drugs directly to the skin without drawing blood.
The patch delivers curcumin and 5-fluorouracil for potential use in localised skin cancer (搜索), offering more targeted delivery than repeated topical applications or injections.
A one-step 3D-printing method blends the drugs directly into the microneedles, enabling better skin penetration, higher drug loading, and a controlled two-stage release.
A new dissolvable 3D-printed patch developed by researchers at Queen's University Belfast aims to improve treatment for localised skin cancer (搜索) by delivering anti-cancer medicines directly to the affected area through tiny microneedles that pass through the outer layer of the skin without drawing blood.
The small patch contains microneedles capable of delivering two anti-cancer drugs, curcumin and 5-fluorouracil, for potential use in people with localised skin cancer (搜索). By delivering medicine straight to the affected area, the patch provides a more targeted medicine delivery and could help reduce the need for repeated topical treatments, or more invasive procedures such as injections, making skin cancer treatment less painful and easier for patients.
A patient-friendly alternative to current treatments
Professor Dimitrios A. Lamprou, Chair of Biofabrication and Advanced Manufacturing at the School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, who led the research, explained the clinical rationale behind the approach: "Skin cancer is a major public health concern, and current treatments often require repeated topical applications, invasive procedures, or can cause unwanted side effects. Many people also experience fear, discomfort, or inconvenience when treatments involve needles and injections."
He added: "Minimally invasive microneedle systems that dissolve after application could provide a more patient-friendly, simpler and less painful way to deliver cancer medicines. Because the microneedles dissolve after use, they may also help reduce the risk of needle-stick injuries and decrease medical sharps waste."
A one-step 3D-printing manufacturing method
To create the specialised patch, the researchers developed a one-step 3D-printing method that allowed them to add both anti-cancer drugs directly into a printable resin before making the microneedle patch. Unlike previous approaches, which coated drugs onto pre-made microneedles, this technique blends the drugs directly into the microneedles during the manufacturing stage.
According to the researchers, this enables better skin penetration, higher drug loading, and a controlled two-stage release tailored to meet each individual patient's needs.
Broader implications for medicine delivery
The researchers believe this approach could support the development of next-generation medicine delivery technologies, including vaccines and other life-saving drugs.
Rutuja N. Meshram, a final-year PhD student and first author on the study, commented: "Advanced manufacturing technologies such as 3D-printing are helping reshape the future of medicine by enabling more precise drug delivery and supporting personalised, patient-friendly healthcare."
He added: "Our findings point to a future where medicines and vaccines can be delivered in ways that are less painful, easier to use, and more acceptable to patients than traditional injections. In time, this research could support the development of more personalised treatments and safer, more accessible healthcare technologies."
The study was carried out by Rutuja N. Meshram and Professor Dimitrios A. Lamprou, both from the School of Pharmacy at Queen's University Belfast, and has been published in Advanced Healthcare Materials. The research was supported by the Joint Commissioner, Education Branch, Social Welfare in Maharashtra, India.