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Published on: June 1, 2012
Vancomycin-Loaded Microneedle Arrays against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus Skin Infections
Jill Ziesmer1, Poojabahen Tajpara2, Nele-Johanna Hempel3
1Department of Microbiology Tumour and Cell Biology Karolinska Institutet Stockholm SE-17177 Sweden.
Abstract:
Skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) are a major healthcare burden, often treated with intravenous injection of the glycopeptide antibiotic vancomycin (VAN). However, low local drug concentration in the skin limits its treatment efficiency, while systemic exposure promotes the development of resistant bacterial strains. Topical administration of VAN on skin is ineffective as its high molecular weight prohibits transdermal penetration. In order to implement a local VAN delivery, microneedle (MN) arrays with a water-insoluble support layer for the controlled administration of VAN into the skin are developed. The utilization of such a support layer results in water-insoluble needle shafts surrounded by drug-loaded water-soluble tips with high drug encapsulation. The developed MN arrays can penetrate the dermal barriers of both porcine and fresh human skin. Permeation studies on porcine skin reveal that the majority of the delivered VAN is retained within the skin. It is shown that the VAN-MN array reduces MRSA growth both in vitro and ex vivo on skin. The developed VAN-MN arrays may be extended to several drugs and may facilitate localized treatment of MRSA-caused skin infections while minimizing adverse systemic effects.
Insights
Microneedle arrays deliver vancomycin (VAN) directly into the skin to treat methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections. This localized approach enhances treatment efficacy and minimizes systemic side effects.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Dermatology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) causes significant skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs).
- Current intravenous vancomycin (VAN) treatment for MRSA SSTIs has limitations, including low local skin concentration and promotion of antibiotic resistance.
- Topical VAN is ineffective due to poor skin penetration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate microneedle (MN) arrays for localized transdermal delivery of vancomycin (VAN).
- To assess the efficacy of VAN-loaded MN arrays in treating MRSA skin infections.
- To minimize systemic exposure and adverse effects associated with VAN treatment.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of MN arrays with water-insoluble needle shafts and drug-loaded water-soluble tips.
- Evaluation of MN array penetration through porcine and human skin.
- In vitro and ex vivo studies to assess VAN retention in skin and MRSA growth inhibition.
Main Results:
- Developed MN arrays successfully penetrated porcine and human skin.
- Permeation studies showed significant VAN retention within the skin.
- VAN-MN arrays demonstrated effective reduction of MRSA growth in vitro and ex vivo.
Conclusions:
- VAN-loaded MN arrays provide a promising strategy for localized treatment of MRSA skin infections.
- This localized delivery system enhances therapeutic efficacy while reducing systemic exposure.
- The MN technology platform can be adapted for other drugs and localized treatments.
