We present a microfabricated 10 by 10 array of microneedles for the treatment of a neurological disease called communicating hydrocephalus. Together with the previously reported microvalve array, the current implantable microneedle array completes the microfabricated arachnoid granulations (MAGs) that mimic the function of normal arachnoid granulations (AGs). The microneedle array was designed to enable the fixation of the MAGs through dura mater membrane in the brain and thus provide a conduit for the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Cone-shaped microneedles with hollow channels were fabricated using a series of microfabrication techniques: SU-8 photolithography for tapered geometry, reactive ion etching for sharpening the microneedles, 248 nm deep UV excimer laser machining for creating through-hole inside the microneedles, and metal sputtering for improved rigidity. Puncture tests were conducted using porcine dura mater and the results showed that the fabricated microneedle array is strong enough to pierce the dura mater. The in-vitro biocompatibility test result showed that none of the 100 outlets of the microneedles exposed to the bloodstream were clogged significantly by blood cells. We believe that these test results demonstrate the potential use of the microneedle array as a new treatment of hydrocephalus.

中文翻译：

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一种用于治疗脑积水的新型微针阵列。

我们提出了一种微制造的 10 x 10 微针阵列，用于治疗称为交通性脑积水的神经系统疾病。与先前报道的微阀阵列一起，目前的可植入微针阵列完成了模拟正常蛛网膜颗粒 (AG) 功能的微加工蛛网膜颗粒 (MAG)。微针阵列旨在通过大脑中的硬脑膜膜固定 MAG，从而为脑脊液 (CSF) 的流动提供管道。使用一系列微加工技术制造具有中空通道的锥形微针：用于锥形几何形状的 SU-8 光刻，用于锐化微针的反应离子蚀刻，用于在微针内部创建通孔的 248 nm 深紫外准分子激光加工，和金属溅射以提高刚性。使用猪硬脑膜进行穿刺测试，结果表明制造的微针阵列强度足以刺穿硬脑膜。体外生物相容性测试结果显示，暴露在血液中的 100 个微针出口都没有被血细胞明显堵塞。我们相信这些测试结果证明了微针阵列作为脑积水新疗法的潜在用途。