1A1-R06 Development of low-invasive microneedle made of tungsten : Sharpening by electrochemical etching and hole processing for sucking liquid using an excimer laser(Bio-Mimetics and Bio-Mechatronics(1))

Abstract

Aiming at the use in low-invasive medical treatments, a tungsten needle was fabricated by electrochemically etching a thin wire having 100 μm in diameter. Sharpness and smoothness of the tip are effective for easy insertion in the viewpoint of large stress concentration and small friction, respectively. An experiment of inserting the fabricated needle into an artificial skin of silicone rubber was carried out. The resistance force during insertion was much reduced due to its small size as mosquito's stinger. In spite of the ultra thin shape, the microneedle was neither buckled nor broken due to highly hardness of tungsten material. A hole was fabricated on the tungsten needle using excimer laser processing and electrochemical etching. Sampling water and blood was successfully achieved using this needle.