A group of researchers has developed tiny needles that could potentially replace the often painful hypodermic needles for administering shots, injecting drugs and drawing blood samples. The 4D printed needles seek their inspiration from parasites that latch themselves on to their host's skin.While 3D printing builds objects layer by layer, 4D goes further with smart materials that are programmed to change shape after printing. Time is the fourth dimension that allows materials to morph into new shapes.The researchers shared the findings of their new innovation in the journal of 'Advanced Functional Materials.'"We think our 4D-printed microneedle array will allow for more robust and sustained use of minimally invasive, pain-free and easy-to-use microneedles for delivering drugs, healing wounds, biosensing, and other soft tissue applications," said senior author Howon Lee, an assistant professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering in the School of Engineering at ...
