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HNT MICRONEEDLE PATCH
– TEMPLATE-ALIGNED NANOTUBE DELIVERY SYSTEM
SELF-CONTAINED MICRONEEDLE RESERVOIRS FOR SUSTAINED, PAINLESS THERAPEUTIC DELIVERY
WHAT IT IS
This project pioneers a new class of microneedles made from vertically aligned halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) — natural, biocompatible nanoclays with hollow interiors that act as both needle and reservoir.
Unlike traditional microneedles that rely on dissolvable polymers or surface coatings, each HNT penetrates skin while slowly releasing drugs, proteins, or vaccines through its central lumen. The result is a biodegradable, high-payload, sustained-release delivery system that:
~50 nm diameter
14+ days of controlled delivery
Made from natural aluminosilicates
Made from natural aluminosilicates
Enables painless, self-applied vaccination or treatment
Functions as both structure and controlled-release vessel
HOW IT WORKS
NANOTUBE ALIGNMENT VIA TEMPLATE
+ SHEAR FLOW
A high-viscosity suspension is sheared through a microchannel, aligning HNTs vertically.
CASTING ONTO GELATIN MATRIX
The aligned stream is frozen and dried, producing “nanotube forests”.
LUMEN LOADING WITH THERAPEUTIC PAYLOAD
Proteins like glucose oxidase, small molecules, or dyes are loaded into each tube.
PENETRATION TESTING IN SKIN
Validated in porcine skin to prove mechanical integrity and insertion depth.
CONTROLLED RELEASE
Monitored over 14 days using fluorescence and enzyme activity assays.
WHY IT’S
A BREAKTHROUGH
Most microneedles are two-part systems (a needle + carrier). This is a one-material system:
TRADITIONAL
HNT PATCH
Polymer / silicon /
metal + coating
Rapid release
Complex fabrication
Low capacity
Pure HNTs act as needle and drug capsule
Sustained delivery (14+ days)
Simplified, modular manufacturing
Up to 10 wt% lumen load
HNTs are inexpensive, scalable, and FDA GRAS-listed.
PHASE I GOALS
Fabricate vertically aligned HNT microneedles
Demonstrate skin insertion and mechanical strength
Verify drug loading and sustained release from lumens
Confirm template removal with intact structure (PVA, wax)
SUCCESS METRICS:
≥8 wt% protein loading
Microneedle penetration >200 µm
Sustained delivery for ≥14 days
Retained orientation after release from templates
APPLICATIONS
DEFENSE AND TACTICAL HEALTH
Field-deployable vaccines for HIV, anthrax, malaria
GLOBAL HEALTH AND PANDEMIC RESPONSE
Patch-based immunization without syringes or refrigeration
CHRONIC CARE
Long-acting patches for insulin, hormones, pain, and mental health
VETERINARY USE
Vaccine and drug patches for livestock, reducing labor and waste
TEAM AND PARTNERS
Led by Quantum Diffusion Corp, an advanced materials R&D firm with deep SBIR and DoD experience.
DR. YURI
LVOV
Globally recognized nanoclay innovator
(325+ publications, 18 patents)
DR. KONSTANTIN DOLGAN
Product development and mechanical integration
ONEGA
ULANOVA
Regulatory and commercialization lead (former API lead auditor)
DR. MARK DECOSTER
Biomedical nanotech + immunology
DR. MAHDI
SALEH
Materials science + drug delivery
ADVISORS:
Dr. Preston Marx
(Tulane Virology)
Dr. Ronald Veazey
(Tulane Primate Center)
Dr. Cindy Eckert
(FDA commercialization expert)
Market Opportunity
$6.1B+ microneedle drug delivery market (2024)
Growing demand from DoD, Gates Foundation, CEPI, BARDA, and vaccine makers
Demand for cold-chain-free delivery is rising (particularly HIV, HPV, malaria)
Competitors like Vaxxas, Micron Biomedical, and NanoPass are scaling — but no one combines structure + delivery in a natural material
LET’S PARTNER
QD Labs is looking to partner with:
Manufacturing collaborators for pilot patch casting
Immunological study partners (animal model labs, MHRP, CEPI)
Investors focused on sustained-release, global health, or DoD tech
INTERESTED IN PILOT TESTING OR PROCUREMENT?
Request demo units, regulatory data, or pilot collaboration.
Request Technical Briefing
Let’s Collaborate on the Future of Materials and Defense Tech
Quantum Diffusion Corp
419 Dan Reneau Dr. Ruston, LA 71270
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