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Updated: Jun 11, 2026
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Hollow Microneedle-based Sensor for Multiplexed Transdermal Electrochemical Sensing
Published on: June 1, 2012
Transdermal drug delivery by in-skin electroporation using a microneedle array
Keshu Yan1, Hiroaki Todo, Kenji Sugibayashi
1Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Josai University, 1-1 Keyakidai, Sakado, Saitama 350-0295, Japan.
International Journal of Pharmaceutics
|July 13, 2010
Summary
In-skin electroporation (IN-SKIN EP) with microneedles enhances macromolecular drug delivery deep into the skin. This minimally invasive method shows superior efficacy and safety compared to conventional treatments.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Drug Delivery Systems
- Dermatology
Background:
- Macromolecular drug delivery to deep skin tissues remains challenging.
- Minimally invasive techniques are needed to overcome the skin barrier.
- Electroporation (EP) can enhance transdermal drug delivery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a minimally invasive in-skin electroporation (IN-SKIN EP) system.
- To assess the efficacy of IN-SKIN EP for delivering macromolecular drugs into deep skin layers.
- To compare IN-SKIN EP with microneedle (MN) array alone and conventional ON-SKIN EP.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a microneedle (MN) electrode array for IN-SKIN EP.
- Employed fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-dextran (FD-4) as a model macromolecular drug.
- Conducted in vitro skin permeation experiments and assessed skin irritation using LDH leaching tests.
Main Results:
- IN-SKIN EP demonstrated significantly higher skin penetration enhancement for FD-4 compared to MN alone or ON-SKIN EP.
- Increased voltage and pulse width of EP further improved FD-4 permeation.
- No significant skin irritation was observed with the IN-SKIN EP method.
Conclusions:
- IN-SKIN EP is a highly effective system for delivering macromolecular drugs to deep skin tissues.
- The developed IN-SKIN EP system offers a promising alternative to conventional drug delivery methods.
- This technique presents a safe and efficient approach for enhanced transdermal macromolecular drug delivery.
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