Prof. Dr. Cem Bülent Üstündağ, a faculty member at YTÜ, discussed 3D-printed smart microneedles developed for the treatment of melanoma—a type of skin cancer—at the Science at the Café event. Laboratory findings regarding the system—which aims to combine the localized release of chemotherapy drugs with thermal effects generated by light—were shared with participants.

The “Science at the Café” events, which bring science enthusiasts together with leading experts in their fields, continue at Yıldız Technical University. Organized by TÜBİTAK Bilim Genç in collaboration with YTÜ National Technology Workshops, Prof. Dr. Cem Bülent Üstündağ, Associate Dean of the Faculty of Chemistry and Metallurgy at YTÜ, delivered a presentation titled “A New Era in Cancer Treatment: 3D-Printed Smart Microneedles.”

At the event, held at the Academic Lounge on the Davutpaşa Campus, Üstündağ explained the operating principle of the microneedles, the biomaterials used in their production, and the findings obtained from cell culture experiments. He noted that the system, which is currently in the research phase, was developed to deliver medication to the target area and to enhance its effectiveness through photothermal effects.

From Artificial Eardrum Research to Drug Delivery Systems

Reflecting on the history of the research process, Üstündağ stated that they began working on the production of an “artificial eardrum” in 2021 as part of a TÜBİTAK-funded project. He said they later adapted the biomaterial and production expertise they gained during this process to drug delivery systems.

Üstündağ noted that the research conducted at the Joint Application and Research Center of Excellence in Health Biotechnology (SABİOTEK), noting that this collaboration brings together the collective knowledge of different disciplines and contributes to the development of new biomedical applications.

Chemotherapy and photothermal effects in the same system

Üstündağ explained that microneedles designed to penetrate the skin’s protective barrier are being researched for regional drug delivery. He noted that the developed bilayer system combines microneedles containing the chemotherapy drug 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) with a support structure utilizing graphene oxide quantum dots.

Explaining the system’s light-responsive property, Üstündağ stated that graphene oxide quantum dots convert near-infrared light energy into heat. He added that the goal is to create a photothermal effect in the application area in addition to the drug’s therapeutic effect.

Drug release and thermal performance were examined in the laboratory

The study evaluated the mechanical strength, swelling, and degradation properties of the microneedles, as well as their drug release performance. It was reported that rapid drug release was observed in the initial phase of laboratory tests, and that the release was completed within 96 hours.

In photothermal performance measurements, a temperature of 46.3 degrees was reached within five minutes using a near-infrared laser with a wavelength of 808 nanometers. In experiments conducted with the A375 melanoma cell line, it was reported that the developed formulations reduced cell viability.

Emphasizing that these findings were obtained under specific experimental conditions, Üstündağ stated that the system’s therapeutic potential must be evaluated through more comprehensive research.

Customized Design via 3D Printing

Explaining that the digital light processing (DLP) method was used in the production of the micro-needles, Üstündağ noted that light-curable biomaterials were transformed into three-dimensional structures layer by layer.

Noting that this technology provides design flexibility regarding needle geometry, height, and arrangement, Üstündağ said that production parameters are adjusted according to the material’s properties. Noting that drug loading can affect the structure’s mechanical properties, he emphasized the importance of testing each new formulation separately.

Research for clinical application will continue

Noting that the developed system is still in the laboratory phase, Üstündağ stated that advanced preclinical evaluations—including animal models—and clinical trials in accordance with the necessary approvals are required before it can be used in humans. He noted that safety and efficacy will be comprehensively evaluated during these processes.

Inviting students to participate in research projects and conduct interdisciplinary studies, Üstündağ noted that university laboratories offer an important arena of experience for young people wishing to contribute to scientific production.

The event concluded with a question-and-answer session with participants and an evaluation of the various application areas of microneedle technology.