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Fabrication of a Master Mold for Microneedles with a Micron-sized Air-vent Hole
Published on: December 5, 2025
327
Novel strategy for immunomodulation: Dissolving microneedle array encapsulating thymopentin fabricated by modified
Shiqi Lin1, Bingzhen Cai1, Guilan Quan1
1School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
Summary
This study developed dissolving microneedle arrays (DMNA) loaded with Thymopentin (TP5) using bovine serum albumin for enhanced strength. The TP5-DMNA demonstrated effective immunomodulation comparable to injections, offering a promising alternative for autoimmune disease treatment.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Drug Delivery Systems
- Immunology
Background:
- Thymopentin (TP5) is used for autoimmune diseases but has a short half-life and requires injections, impacting patient compliance.
- Dissolving microneedle array (DMNA) offers painless transdermal delivery but often lacks mechanical strength.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop robust TP5-loaded DMNA (TP5-DMNA) with improved mechanical strength for enhanced transdermal delivery.
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of TP5-DMNA for immunomodulation in vivo.
Main Methods:
- Modified two-step molding technology was used to fabricate TP5-DMNA incorporating bovine serum albumin (BSA) for mechanical reinforcement.
- Skin penetration, drug loading efficiency, and in vivo pharmacodynamics (CD4+/CD8+ ratio, SOD, MDA) were assessed.
Main Results:
- TP5-DMNA with BSA exhibited superior mechanical strength, skin penetration, and drug loading efficiency compared to those without BSA.
- In vivo studies showed TP5-DMNA effectively modulated immune parameters (CD4+/CD8+ ratio, SOD, MDA) similar to intravenous TP5.
- Only mild local irritation was observed at the administration site.
Conclusions:
- Novel TP5-DMNA utilizing BSA offers a mechanically robust and effective system for transdermal TP5 delivery.
- This approach provides a convenient, safe, and promising alternative to injections for treating autoimmune diseases.
