Fabrication of a Master Mold for Microneedles with a Micron-sized Air-vent Hole

Currently, advanced microfabrication, surgical micromachining, vacuum-assisted molding, and high-resolution microscopy are used to fabricate and characterize microneedles. The major challenges are to prevent air entrapment during viscous polymer casting and achieve consistent microneedle tip sharpness. To begin, aspirate nine milliliters of distilled water into a 10 milliliter disposable syringe and add it into a 50 milliliter conical centrifuge tube.

Using an S/T spoon and greaseproof paper, weigh one gram of gelatin powder on a precision balance and transfer it into the conical tube containing water. With the S/T spoon, break apart any clumps of gelatin by stirring the mixture in a clockwise direction for five minutes, ensuring that the rotating solution does not spill. Now, fill a water bath with four liters of distilled water.