Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 18, 2026
07:41
Author Spotlight: Innovative Microneedle-Based Strategies for Enhanced Exosome Delivery and Stability
Published on: July 12, 2024
4.0K
Large Size Microneedle Patch to Deliver Lidocaine through Skin
Himanshu Kathuria1, Hairui Li1, Jing Pan1
1Department of Pharmacy, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117543, Singapore.
Pharmaceutical Research
|July 13, 2016
Summary
This study developed large microneedle (MN) patches delivering lidocaine (LD) for rapid pain relief. The MN patches offer fast, sustained topical lidocaine delivery, expanding pain management options.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Dermatology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Topical lidocaine (LD) offers analgesia but is limited by slow skin permeation and delayed action.
- Effective pain management requires faster-acting topical anesthetic delivery systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To fabricate large microneedle (MN) array patches loaded with lidocaine (LD).
- To evaluate the potential of these MN patches for rapid and sustained topical delivery of LD for acute and chronic pain management.
Main Methods:
- Microneedle (MN) patches were fabricated using photolithography.
- Mechanical properties, skin permeation (in vitro and in vivo), plasma pharmacokinetics, histology, and skin irritation were assessed.
Main Results:
- MN patches demonstrated mechanical strength (10-30 N) with >90% skin penetration.
- Lidocaine (LD) permeated skin within 5 minutes, reaching therapeutic levels locally in 10 minutes and sustaining for 8 hours.
- Minimal systemic absorption and transient skin irritation were observed.
Conclusions:
- Large MN patches provide rapid onset and sustained topical delivery of lidocaine.
- This technology has potential to broaden the application of topical lidocaine for effective pain management.
Related Concept Videos
01:18Transdermal Drug Delivery Systems
97
Transdermal drug delivery systems (TDDS) enable the controlled release of drugs across the skin into systemic circulation. They are particularly advantageous for drugs with short half-lives or narrow therapeutic indices, as they maintain consistent plasma concentrations and reduce the risk of subtherapeutic or toxic levels.TDDS are categorized into monolithic, reservoir, and mixed systems. Monolithic systems embed the drug in a polymer matrix, where diffusion governs release. Reservoir systems...
97
01:30Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Surface, Infiltration, and Conduction Block Anesthesia
2.4K
Depending on the target organ, local anesthetics (LAs) can be administered via various routes. In surface anesthesia, LAs are applied directly to the surface of the skin or mucous membranes. It is widely used for topical skin numbing before venipuncture or minor surgical procedures. Commonly used surface local anesthetics are lidocaine or benzocaine sprays or creams. Surface anesthesia occurs within 5 minutes and lasts for about 60 minutes. One of the main disadvantages of topical anesthesia is...
2.4K
01:23Local Anesthetics: Common Agents and Their Applications
1.1K
Local anesthetics (LAs) are commonly used for various applications in medical and dental procedures. Some of the common agents used are cocaine, lidocaine, and bupivacaine.
Cocaine is an ester of benzoic acid and methylecgogine. It is used to anesthetize and vasoconstrict locally. Currently, it is used primarily for topical applications. It is beneficial for surgeries on the upper respiratory tract, providing anesthesia and shrinking the mucosa. Cocaine in the form of cocaine hydrochloride is...
Cocaine is an ester of benzoic acid and methylecgogine. It is used to anesthetize and vasoconstrict locally. Currently, it is used primarily for topical applications. It is beneficial for surgeries on the upper respiratory tract, providing anesthesia and shrinking the mucosa. Cocaine in the form of cocaine hydrochloride is...
1.1K
01:22Drug Delivery: Miscellaneous Routes
951
Drug delivery methods like oral inhalation, nasal sprays, transdermal patches, eye drops, intravitreal injection, and rectal administration provide localized effects with reduced toxicity.
Oral inhalation and nasal sprays swiftly transfer drugs across the respiratory epithelium's mucosal layer. Inhaled glucocorticoids and bronchodilators directly target lung conditions such as asthma, while fluticasone nasal spray mitigates allergic rhinitis.
Transdermal patches transport drugs...
Oral inhalation and nasal sprays swiftly transfer drugs across the respiratory epithelium's mucosal layer. Inhaled glucocorticoids and bronchodilators directly target lung conditions such as asthma, while fluticasone nasal spray mitigates allergic rhinitis.
Transdermal patches transport drugs...
951
01:30Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Stimuli-Activated
74
Stimuli-activated drug delivery systems are designed to release drugs in response to specific physical, chemical, or biological stimuli. These systems often utilize hydrogels—three-dimensional, hydrophilic polymer networks capable of swelling in aqueous environments and retaining significant fluid volumes. Upon exposure to particular stimuli, these hydrogels undergo structural transitions that allow the embedded drug to be released. Due to this adaptive behavior, such systems are also...
74