Supramolecular Dissolving Microneedle Patch Loading Hydrophobic Glucocorticoid for Effective Psoriasis Treatment

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Dermatology
• Drug Delivery

Background:

• Psoriatic skin lesions exhibit a thickened stratum corneum, limiting topical glucocorticoid absorption.
• Conventional dissolving microneedle (DMN) patches struggle to encapsulate hydrophobic drugs like glucocorticoids due to water-soluble matrices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a mechanically robust supramolecular DMN capable of efficiently loading and delivering hydrophobic glucocorticoids for psoriasis treatment.
• To evaluate the efficacy of the novel DMN in vitro and in vivo.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of supramolecular DMNs using hydroxypropyl β-cyclodextrin (HPCD) to encapsulate triamcinolone acetonide (TA).
• Assessment of mechanical properties, drug loading, and in vitro drug release.
• Evaluation of in vitro anti-proliferative effects on HaCaT cells.
• In vivo efficacy study in imiquimod-induced psoriasis-like mouse model.

Main Results:

• The TA-loaded HPCD DMN (TAMN) demonstrated excellent mechanical strength for piercing thickened skin.
• TAMN showed enhanced in vitro inhibition of HaCaT cell proliferation due to increased TA solubility and bioavailability.
• Twice-weekly TAMN administration significantly alleviated psoriatic signs and reduced inflammatory markers (Ki67, IL-23, IL-17) in mice.

Conclusions:

• Supramolecular DMNs offer a promising strategy for efficient transdermal delivery of hydrophobic drugs in psoriasis treatment.
• This approach broadens the application of supramolecular materials in drug delivery and expands the range of drugs suitable for DMNs.