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Updated: Aug 16, 2026
Polymeric Microneedle Array Fabrication by Photolithography
Published on: November 17, 2015
Active pharmaceutical ingredient poly(ionic liquid)-based microneedles for the treatment of skin acne infection
Tikai Zhang1, Bin Sun2, Jiangna Guo1
1Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Functional Polymer Design and Application, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China.
Abstract:
As an inflammatory skin disease of pilosebaceous follicles, Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) can aggravate local inflammatory responses and forms acne lesions. However, due to the skin barrier, various transdermal measures other than antibiotic creams are necessary. Microneedle (MN) patches are emerging platforms for the transdermal delivery of various therapeutics since it can effectively create transport pathways in the epidermis. Herein, we develop an active pharmaceutical ingredient poly(ionic liquid) (API PIL)-based MN patches containing salicylic acid (SA). The PIL-based MNs are simply prepared through photo-crosslinking of an imidazolium-type ionic liquid (IL) monomer in MN micro-molds, and following by anion exchange with salicylic acid anions (SA-). The fabricated SA-loaded PIL-MNs exhibited therapeutic efficiency in the topical treatment of P. acnes infection in vitro and in vivo. These active pharmaceutical ingredient PIL-based MNs can improve acne treatment, demonstrating potential applications for skin diseases. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Microneedle (MN) patches can be used as platforms for transdermal delivery of various therapeutics to treat bacterial infection. Here, a facile strategy was developed to synthesize active pharmaceutical ingredient poly(ionic liquid)-based microneedle patches by anion-exchange with salicylic acid anion (SA-). The fabricated SA-loaded PIL-MNs are active on not only anti-bacteria but also anti-inflammation in P. acnes treated mice, and may have potential applications for skin acne infection.
Insights
New microneedle (MN) patches loaded with salicylic acid (SA) offer a novel transdermal treatment for acne. These active pharmaceutical ingredient poly(ionic liquid) (API PIL)-based MNs effectively combat Propionibacterium acnes infection and inflammation.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Dermatology
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Acne vulgaris, driven by Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes), involves inflammation and requires effective transdermal delivery methods beyond topical antibiotics.
- The skin barrier poses a challenge for therapeutic penetration, necessitating advanced delivery systems.
- Microneedle (MN) patches offer a promising platform for efficient transdermal drug delivery by creating micro-pathways through the epidermis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop novel active pharmaceutical ingredient poly(ionic liquid) (API PIL)-based microneedle (MN) patches for enhanced transdermal delivery of salicylic acid (SA).
- To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of SA-loaded PIL-MNs against P. acnes infection and associated inflammation.
- To explore the potential of these advanced MN patches for treating acne and other skin diseases.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of PIL-based MNs via photo-crosslinking of an ionic liquid monomer.
- Anion exchange process to load salicylic acid anions (SA-) into the PIL-MNs.
- In vitro and in vivo testing of SA-loaded PIL-MNs for anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory effects on P. acnes-infected models.
Main Results:
- Successfully synthesized SA-loaded PIL-MNs using a facile photo-crosslinking and anion exchange method.
- Demonstrated significant therapeutic efficiency of the SA-loaded PIL-MNs in treating P. acnes infection both in vitro and in vivo.
- Confirmed anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory activities of the SA-loaded PIL-MNs in a P. acnes mouse model.
Conclusions:
- The developed API PIL-based MN patches provide an effective strategy for transdermal delivery of salicylic acid for acne treatment.
- These SA-loaded PIL-MNs show potential for improving topical treatment of bacterial skin infections like acne.
- This approach highlights the versatility of PIL-based MNs for developing advanced therapeutic platforms for various skin diseases.
