Development of Micro Lancet Needle Made of Biodegradable Polymer for Medical Treatment

Abstract

The aim of this paper is development of micro lancet needle made of biodegradable polymer (Poly Lactic Acid, called as PLA). This device is applicable to a blood test system for diabetics. Since PLA naturally degrades itself in tissues, this material is safe for human body. To achieve the purpose of this study, we focused on wet chemical anisotropic etching process of silicon negative groove, and micromolding process of PLA. Resistance force during inserting a fabricated needle to an artificial skin of silicone rubber is investigated experimentally. The effects of thinning needle, sharpening tip, vibrating it during insertion, pitching out the inserted object surface, etc., for decreasing the resistance force are confirmed.