From Microneedles to Lab Robots: How Dr. Keng Wooi Ng is Breaking the Mould

How do you transform manufacturing failures into scientific breakthroughs? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Keng Wooi Ng, pharmaceutical scientist and researcher specialising in drug delivery systems, microneedles, biomaterials, and laboratory automation. We explore his work developing long-acting microneedle technologies capable of sustained drug release for up to two months, and the unexpected manufacturing challenges that arose when traditional solvent-casting methods failed. Dr. Ng explains how these challenges led to the development of Vac and Fill, an innovative manufacturing process that eliminates air entrapment and enables the successful fabrication of highly viscous microneedle formulations. We also discuss Otto, a low-cost automated sampling platform built from a modified 3D printer. Originally inspired by challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, Otto automates Franz diffusion cell sampling, improves experimental consistency, reduces human error, and allows researchers to collect high-quality drug release data around the clock. Throughout the conversation, Dr. Ng shares valuable insights into innovation, problem-solving, pharmaceutical research, and why scientists shouldn't be afraid to step outside their traditional areas of expertise to solve real-world challenges. In This Episode • The future of microneedle drug delivery technologies • Achieving sustained drug release for up to two months • Why conventional solvent casting failed for advanced formulations • The development of the Vac and Fill manufacturing technique • Overcoming air entrapment in microneedle fabrication • Designing and validating long-acting drug delivery systems • Building Otto, a low-cost laboratory automation platform • Using 3D printing to accelerate scientific innovation • Improving Franz diffusion cell sampling through automation • Lessons in research, engineering, and scientific entrepreneurship 🔔 If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and share it with anyone interested in pharmaceutical innovation, drug delivery, and scientific research. ⚠️ Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the guest are their own and do not represent any organisation or employer. 🔗 Connect with Keng:   / ngkengwooi   #Microneedles #DrugDelivery #PharmaceuticalScience #BiomedicalEngineering #HealthcareInnovation #LabAutomation #MedicalTechnology #DrugDevelopment #3DPrinting #ScientificInnovation