3D-Printed Microneedles Create Precise Perforations in Human Round Window Membrane in Situ.

ABSTRACT:

Hypothesis

Three-dimensional (3D)-printed microneedles can create precise holes on the scale of micrometers in the human round window membrane (HRWM).

Background

An intact round window membrane is a barrier to delivery of therapeutic and diagnostic agents into the inner ear. Microperforation of the guinea pig round window membrane has been shown to overcome this barrier by enhancing diffusion 35-fold. In humans, the challenge is to design a microneedle that can precisely perforate the thicker HRWM without damage.

Methods

Based on the thickness and mechanical properties of the HRWM, two microneedle designs were 3D-printed to perforate the HRWM from fresh frozen temporal bones in situ (n = 18 total perforations), simultaneously measuring force and displacement. Perforat

SUBMITTER: Chiang H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8189659 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature