Visible-light-controllable drug release from multilayer-coated microneedles

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Drug Delivery
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Microneedles offer minimally invasive drug delivery.
• Controlling drug release kinetics remains a challenge.
• Polyelectrolyte multilayers can encapsulate therapeutic agents.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop visible-light-controllable drug release from polyelectrolyte multilayers on poly(l-lactide) microneedles.
• To investigate the drug release mechanism triggered by visible light.
• To demonstrate the feasibility of this system for transdermal drug delivery.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of polyelectrolyte multilayers on poly(l-lactide) microneedles using host-guest chemistry.
• Encapsulation of model drugs within the multilayer structure.
• Irradiation with visible light to trigger drug release.
• Evaluation of drug release profiles and skin penetration.

Main Results:

• Successful generation of visible-light-controllable drug release polyelectrolyte multilayers.
• Demonstration of drug release from multilayers in response to visible light irradiation.
• Model drugs transferred into the skin following microneedle application and light exposure.

Conclusions:

• Developed a novel system for light-triggered drug release using PLLA microneedles and polyelectrolyte multilayers.
• This approach offers precise control over drug delivery kinetics.
• Potential for advanced transdermal therapeutic applications.