CHAPEL HILL, N.C., Jan. 7 (UPI) -- U.S. researchers say new polymerization technology allows for smaller needles that may take the sting out of injections and blood draws.
The University of North Carolina and Laser Zentrum Hannover used two-photon polymerization to create hollow needles so fine patients wouldn't feel them piercing their skin, the International Journal of Applied Ceramic Technology said Monday in a release.
The researchers said the tiny micro-needles can be clustered together on a patch to deliver drugs or draw blood as efficiently as standard hypodermic needles.
The researchers, led by Dr. Roger Narayan of the University of North Carolina, used two-photon polymerization of organically modified ceramic hybrid materials to create micro needles resistant to breakage.
"Micro-needles may be integrated with micro-pumps and biosensors to provide autonomous sampling of blood, analysis, and drug-delivery capabilities for treatment of chronic disease," Narayan said.
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