Drug delivery requires precise intradermal and subcutaneous injections of drugs to clinically relevant needle penetration depths. The TestResources dynamic testing system was used for biomechanical testing of needle injections as shown in the photo. The skin sample was placed within a test chamber attached to a two-axis micrometer stage underneath the vertical actuator, which allowed for control of sample test locations. A vertical actuator was equipped with a 1000 g subminiature load cell and a custom needle mount to hold hypodermic needles and allow for transport of fluid into the skin. A spring-loaded cantilever was fabricated to prestress the skin surface to replicate a range of forces expected to be applied clinically during injection. A high accuracy, two-dimensional (2D) laser displacement system was mounted to monitor the deflection of the skin transiently during needle penetration.
Recommended Test Machine
Static and fatigue forces up to 50 kN (11,250 lbf)
Frequency ratings up to 75 Hz
Oil-free, all electric actuator for clean test conditions
Lower purchase, operating, and maintenance costs than hydraulic equivalents