A newly-released review article in Engineering explores the potential of multiphoton polymerization (MPP)-based micro/nanomanufacturing in the field of precision medicine. Conducted by a team of experts from various institutions, the research delves into the fundamentals, materials, biomedical applications, challenges, and future perspectives of this innovative technology.
MPP is a noncontact, high-precision molding technology that has gained significant attention in the micro/nano field. It is based on light-induced polymerization reactions, allowing for the fabrication of complex structures with submicron precision. This makes it a promising tool for micro/nanoscale related precision medicine, where the design and manufacturing of micro/nanoscale tools for delivery, diagnostic, and therapeutic purposes are crucial.
The review article provides a comprehensive overview of the fundamentals of MPP, including the multiphoton absorption theorem, MPP devices, and the MPP process. It also discusses the materials used in MPP, such as commercially available photoresists and materials composed of photoinitiators and photopolymers, and their requirements for biomedical applications.
One of the key highlights of the article is the exploration of the diverse biomedical applications of MPP. These include delivery systems, such as microrobots and microneedles for drug and cell delivery; microtissue modeling for drug screening, disease modeling, and tissue repair; surgery, including photodynamic therapy, micromanipulation, and cell sorting; and diagnosis, such as biosignal detection and biomarker sensing. The article showcases numerous examples of how MPP has been used to fabricate innovative micro/nanodevices that have the potential to revolutionize precision medicine.
However, there are several challenges that need to be addressed for the widespread adoption of MPP in precision medicine. These include ensuring the biosafety of materials, improving the mechanical properties and functionalities of materials, enhancing the efficiency and resolution of the manufacturing process, and addressing the stability and cost issues associated with the application of MPP in clinical settings.
Looking ahead, the article presents a positive outlook for the future of MPP in precision medicine. It suggests that with further research and development, MPP could overcome its current limitations and become a mainstream technology in the field. The researchers emphasize the need for continued exploration of material properties, structural design, and process improvement at the micro/nanoscale to fully realize the potential of MPP in precision medicine.
This review article provides valuable insights into the potential of MPP-based micro/nanomanufacturing in precision medicine. It serves as a significant contribution to the field, highlighting the opportunities and challenges associated with this technology and paving the way for future research and innovation. As MPP continues to evolve, it holds great promise for improving the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases, ultimately benefiting patients worldwide.
The paper "Multiphoton Polymerization-based Micro/Nanomanufacturing Toward Precision Medicine," authored by Jiarui Hu, An Ren, Weikang Lv, Abdellah Aazmi, Changwei Qin, Xinyi Liang, Xiaobin Xu, Mengfei Yu, Qi Li, Huayong Yang, Liang Ma. Full text of the open access paper: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eng.2024.10.016
