Preparation of particle-attached microneedles using a dry coating process

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Drug Delivery Systems
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Conventional microneedle manufacturing involves API dissolution and drying, adding complexity.
• A novel approach is needed for efficient and simplified microneedle-based drug delivery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a particle-attached microneedle system for drug delivery.
• To assess the efficacy and efficiency of this novel microneedle system in delivering ovalbumin (OVA) particles.

Main Methods:

• Developed particle-attached microneedles by coating polylactic acid (PLA) microneedles with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) adhesive.
• Attached 10 μm ovalbumin (OVA) particles to the PDMS adhesive layer.
• Evaluated ex vivo and in vivo skin delivery efficiency and antibody response in mice.

Main Results:

• Achieved 93% ex vivo and over 90% in vivo delivery efficiency of OVA particles into skin.
• Demonstrated comparable OVA antibody titers to intramuscular administration in mouse models.
• Highlighted a dry coating process and rapid API delivery capability.

Conclusions:

• Particle-attached microneedles offer a novel, efficient method for drug and vaccine delivery.
• This system simplifies manufacturing by eliminating solvent and drying steps.
• Potential for broad applications in transdermal drug and vaccine administration.