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Updated: Feb 10, 2026
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Polymeric Microneedle Array Fabrication by Photolithography
Published on: November 17, 2015
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Dissolving polymeric microneedle arrays for enhanced site-specific acyclovir delivery.
Boonnada Pamornpathomkul1, Tanasait Ngawhirunpat2, Ismaiel A Tekko3
1School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Medical Biology Centre, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK; Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Development of Green Innovations Group (PDGIG), Silpakorn University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand.
Summary
Dissolving polymeric microneedle (MN) arrays significantly enhance acyclovir delivery for cold sores. This novel approach improves skin permeability, offering a more effective treatment for herpes labialis (HSV-1) infections.
Area of Science:
- Pharmaceutics
- Biomaterials Science
- Dermatology
Background:
- Topical acyclovir for herpes labialis (cold sores) has limited efficacy due to poor skin permeability.
- Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is the primary cause of cold sores.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate dissolving polymeric microneedle (MN) arrays for improved local delivery of acyclovir.
- To assess the potential of MN arrays as a novel drug delivery system for topical antiviral treatment.
Main Methods:
- Acyclovir-loaded dissolving MN arrays were fabricated using Gantrez® S-97.
- Mechanical strength, dissolution profiles, and skin penetration of MNs were evaluated.
- In vitro and in vivo studies compared MN array delivery to a commercial cream formulation.
Main Results:
- MN arrays demonstrated sufficient mechanical strength and rapid dissolution in skin (within 15 minutes).
- In vitro skin permeation was approximately 45 times higher with MNs compared to cream.
- In vivo studies showed significantly higher acyclovir levels in skin with MN arrays over 48 hours.
Conclusions:
- Dissolving polymeric MN arrays represent a promising strategy for enhancing topical acyclovir delivery.
- This microneedle technology offers a potentially more effective treatment for herpes labialis.
- Further development could optimize MN-based delivery for various topical antivirals.
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