Quantification methods comparing in vitro and in vivo percutaneous permeation by microneedles and passive diffusion

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Materials Science
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Microneedles (MNs) are micro-scale devices designed for minimally invasive drug delivery.
• Traditional needles pose challenges like pain, need for trained personnel, and difficulties in specific patient groups.
• Topical creams and transdermal patches face limitations due to skin barrier properties and slow delivery rates.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and quantify the enhanced drug delivery efficiency of MNs compared to passive diffusion.
• To provide an overview of MN types, delivered chemicals, and quantification methods for transdermal delivery.
• To establish a potential standard for comparing MN delivery test data.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies comparing MN drug delivery with passive diffusion in living organisms.
• Analysis of MN types, chemical agents delivered, and methodologies used for quantifying delivery.
• Evaluation of drug concentration in skin and bloodstream.

Main Results:

• MNs demonstrate increased drug delivery compared to passive diffusion by penetrating the stratum corneum.
• A wide range of MN designs and drug types have been investigated for transdermal delivery.
• Quantification methods vary, highlighting the need for standardization.

Conclusions:

• MNs represent a promising technology for enhanced transdermal drug delivery, surpassing limitations of conventional methods.
• Further standardization of testing protocols is crucial for reliable comparison of MN performance.
• MNs offer a potentially painless and efficient route for administering various compounds.