Microneedles (MNs)-Based Technology (Series in BioEngineering)

This book highlights the fabrication of various types of solid, hollow, and dissolvable microneedles (MNs) using various synthesis processes and their applications in medicine, agriculture, and sensors. MN-based technology emerges as a sign of hope, offering a painless delivery system. In general, MN-based technology uses tiny needles to puncture the outermost layer of the skin. MNs are made of various materials like metals, silicon, and polymers for efficient delivery of biomolecules. With the tremendous success of MNs in the drug delivery system, researchers try to use MNs in agriculture and sensor applications to improve plant health via monitoring and delivery of agrochemicals. By modulating the materials of MNs, drugs and biomolecules can be delivered in a controlled manner. In general, MN-based technology holds significant opportunities for improving delivery of the drugs/biomolecules and opens new wings toward agriculture and sensing applications. Moreover, MN-based technology enables newer avenues for therapeutic and diagnosis of diseases.

Dr. Neetu Talreja working as Associate Professor in the Department of Science, Faculty of Science and Technology, Alliance University, Anekal, Bengaluru, Karnataka 562 106, India. She completed her Ph.D. in chemistry from collaboration between the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, and Banasthali University, India. Before joining Alliance University, Anekal, Bengaluru, India, she worked as Researcher at the University of Concepcion, University of La Serena, Chile, Gachon University, South Korea, and the Department of Chemical Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China. Her research focuses mainly on interdisciplinary research involving nanomaterials and chemical sciences such as synthesis, nanomaterials characterization, two-dimensional nanomaterials, and polymeric composite-based materials for energy and environmental applications.

Dr. Divya Chauhan is working as Manager, Strategy and Transactions Ernst & Young Global LLP, India. She completed her Ph.D. in chemistry from collaboration between the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, and Banasthali University, India. Before joining Ernst & Young Global LLP, India, she worked as Researcher at the University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA, Panjab University, India, and Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China. She holds broad national and international experience in water quality monitoring, material synthesis, and water and air purification.

Dr. Mohammad Ashfaq is currently Assistant Professor at Chandigarh University, Mohali, Punjab, India. He completed his Ph.D. in biotechnology from collaboration between the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, and Banasthali University, India. Before joining Chandigarh University, Mohali, Punjab, India, he worked as Assistant Professor at BS Abdur Rahman Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, India, Researcher at the University of La Serena, Chile, University of Concepcion, Chile, and Postdoctoral Researcher in Polymer Microneedle Lab, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China. He focuses mainly on interdisciplinary research involving nanomaterials and biological sciences, such as synthesis, characterization, and applications of nanomaterials/carbon nanofibers and polymeric composite-based materials. His area of interest consists of nanotechnology, nano-bioscience, biomedical applications of polymeric composite/nanotechnology, nano-cytotoxicity, biosensors, controlled release drug delivery systems, nanoparticle systems of metals and metal oxides, and its interaction of plants and animal cells.