An experimental study of microneedle-assisted microparticle delivery

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Materials Science
• Gene Delivery

Background:

• Gene guns deliver gene-loaded microparticles into tissues using high velocity.
• The mechanical barrier function of target tissues limits microparticle penetration depth.
• Reducing delivery pressure is desirable for safer and more efficient gene therapy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the use of microneedles (MNs) to enhance microparticle penetration depth.
• To explore the effect of MNs on gene delivery efficiency using a gene gun system.
• To analyze factors influencing microparticle delivery into target tissues.

Main Methods:

• Experiments utilizing solid microneedles (MNs) to reduce tissue mechanical barrier.
• Employing biomedical-grade stainless steel microparticles (1-20 μm) as gene carriers.
• Accelerating microparticle pellets via compressed air and analyzing penetration with varying parameters (pressure, mesh pore size, polyvinylpyrrolidone concentration).

Main Results:

• Microneedle application significantly increased microparticle penetration depths.
• Particle passage into the target increased with higher pressure and larger mesh pore size.
• Increased polyvinylpyrrolidone concentration led to decreased particle passage.

Conclusions:

• Microneedles (MNs) are effective in enhancing microparticle penetration depth for gene delivery.
• MNs facilitate gene delivery at lower pressures compared to conventional gene guns.
• The study provides insights into optimizing gene gun parameters for improved delivery efficiency.