Scalable fabrication of microneedle arrays via spatially controlled UV exposure.

This paper describes a theoretical estimation of the geometry of negative epoxy-resist microneedles prepared via inclined/rotated ultraviolet (UV) lithography based on spatially controlled UV exposure doses. In comparison with other methods based on UV lithography, the present method can create microneedle structures with high scalability. When negative photoresist is exposed to inclined/rotated UV through circular mask patterns, a three-dimensional, needle-shaped distribution of the exposure dose forms in the irradiated region. Controlling the inclination angles and the exposure dose modifies the photo-polymerized portion of the photoresist, thus allowing the variation of the heights and contours of microneedles formed by using the same mask patterns. In an experimental study, the dimensions of the fabricated needles agreed well with the theoretical predictions for varying inclination angles and exposure doses. These results demonstrate that our theoretical approach can provide a simple route for fabricating microneedles with on-demand geometry. The fabricated microneedles can be used as solid microneedles or as a mold master for dissolving microneedles, thus simplifying the microneedle fabrication process. We envision that this method can improve fabrication accuracy and reduce fabrication cost and time, thereby facilitating the practical applications of microneedle-based drug delivery technology.

[The impact of the amendment to the Infectious Diseases Control Law on the management of clinical laboratories].

In December 2006, the Japanese parliament promulgated an amendment of the Law Concerning the Prevention of Infectious Diseases and Medical Care for Patients of Infections (the Infectious Diseases Control Law). The main elements of the amendment provide a pathogen control system that will prevent biological terrorism, global and accidental spread of infectious diseases and allow for comprehensive control of infectious diseases, including tuberculosis. State intervention was substantially curtailed in the original Infectious Diseases Control Law because of the demand at the time for decentralization. However, the rising danger of bio-terrorism has established an urgent need for direct control by the state. Developing the necessary regulations for laboratory safety and pathogen collection to prevent bioterrorism is an onerous task. The rules must take account of real conditions on the ground and to be seen to work. However, whereas the new rules may be efficient in the prevention of terrorism, there is a real suspicion that they will impede and obstruct the day-to-day routine of the clinical laboratories. We report a questionnaire concerning the influence of this law on the clinical laboratory management in 84 university hospital laboratories. The imposition of well-intentioned but implausible regulations that impair or disrupt routine laboratory work encourages employees to selectively ignore regulations that they feel are impractical or irrelevant.