A novel and biocompatible photopolymerizable resin based on cyclohexanedimethanol‐dimetacrylate designed to light‐print microneedles

Abstract

AbstractMicroneedles offer a promising avenue for painless drug delivery through micro‐perforation, and additive manufacturing, particularly stereolithography, has proven effective for their fabrication. This study focuses on developing a novel biocompatible resin for 3D printing microneedles. Spectroscopic methods are employed to confirm the structures of all intended resin monomers, with a specific analysis of the crystallographic structure of cyclohexanedimethanol methacrylate (CDMM) using x‐ray diffraction. The results indicate that CDMM crystallizes in the monoclinic system, aligning with the P21/c space group. The fabricated conical microneedles, standing at approximately 655 μm in height, underwent thorough mechanical and thermal characterization. Depth analyses of micro‐perforations in Parafilm M and pig skin were performed using optical coherence tomography and histological sections, demonstrating successful penetration through the stratum corneum and epidermal layers into the superficial dermal layer (1.5–4 mm thickness) without affecting nerve endings. Cytocompatibility tests affirm the biocompatibility of the microneedles. This work highlights the potential of the newly developed biocompatible material for printable drug delivery systems, emphasizing microneedles and other implant forms.