Important Innovations Collection

3D Printed Alternative to Needles                                                                 Source:  UNC-Chapel Hill New Tech That's a Breakthru for Vaccines Researchers at Stanford University and the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill have developed a 3D printed plastic patch as an alternative to COVID-19 vaccinations by needles.  The patch contains an array of microneedles that directly deliver the vaccine into the skin.  The researchers say the microneedle patch is ten times more effective in producing an immune response than a needle and it is painless. Microneedle patches have been under development for decades.  But the breakthrough on this revolutionary new patch came from 3D printing the microneedles on a polymer patch just long enough to reach the skin and del...

Safer Vaccinations Particularly for Developing World Source:  University of South Australia microneedle patch Silver Nanoparticles Kill Bacteria Scientists at the University of South Australia have developed a microneedle patch embedded with silver nanoparticles and vaccine.  It offers an alternative to traditional needle injections and eliminates infections at the injection site. Alternative to Traditional Needles The patch carries an array of microneedles that contain both vaccine and silver nanoparticles.  When attached to the skin, the microneedles dissolve in one minute. The patch is painless, doesn't need to be refrigerated and releases the vaccine into the top layer of skin, not reaching any nerves.  The vaccine is released into the bloodstream and the silver nanoparticles kill any bacteria.  Bottom-line:  it enables safer vaccinations and prevents infections.  The team believes it would be particularly effective in the developing wo...