In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation of a Hydrogel-Based Microneedle Device for Transdermal Electro-Modulated Analgesia

With a significant portion of the world suffering from chronic pain, the management and treatment of this condition still requires extensive research to successfully mobilize and functionalize its sufferers. This article details the in vitro and in vivo evaluation of a transdermal electro-modulated hydrogel-microneedle array (EMHM) device for the treatment of chronic pain. In vitro characterization of the electro-modulated hydrogel was undertaken before the determination of the in vivo release, histopathologic and pharmacokinetic profiles of the EMHM in a Sprague Dawley rat model. Pharmacokinetic modeling was conducted to establish a level A in vitro-in vivo correlation. Data analysis was carried out by segmenting the combined in vivo release profile into individualistic profiles before analysis.