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Updated: Aug 1, 2025
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Hollow Microneedle-based Sensor for Multiplexed Transdermal Electrochemical Sensing
Published on: June 1, 2012
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Response Surface Methodology for Optimization of Hydrogel-Forming Microneedles as Rapid and Efficient Transdermal
Jiraporn Leanpolchareanchai1, Nantana Nuchtavorn2
1Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mahidol University, 447 Sri Ayudhaya Rd., Rajathevee, Bangkok 10400, Thailand.
Gels (Basel, Switzerland)
|April 27, 2023
Summary
Hydrogel microneedles (MNs) offer a minimally invasive way to collect dermal interstitial fluid (ISF) for point-of-care testing (POCT). Optimized formulations achieved significant swelling and collection volumes, demonstrating potential for microsampling.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Microneedle Technology
- Point-of-Care Diagnostics
Background:
- Microneedles (MNs) are emerging as a promising tool for minimally invasive dermal interstitial fluid (ISF) microsampling.
- Hydrogel-forming MNs leverage swelling properties for passive ISF extraction, crucial for point-of-care testing (POCT).
- Optimization of hydrogel formulations is essential to enhance MN performance for effective ISF collection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To optimize hydrogel film formulations for microneedles (MNs) to maximize ISF collection efficiency.
- To investigate the effects of key independent variables on the swelling properties of hydrogel films.
- To fabricate and characterize MNs using the optimized hydrogel formulation for potential POCT applications.
Main Methods:
- Utilized surface response methodologies, including Box-Behnken design (BBD), central composite design (CCD), and optimal discrete design.
- Studied the impact of hyaluronic acid, Gantrez™ S-97, and pectin concentrations on hydrogel swelling properties.
- Employed optimal discrete design for model prediction and selected a validated formulation for MN fabrication.
Main Results:
- The optimal discrete model demonstrated excellent fit (R² = 0.9923) and validity, predicting optimal formulation parameters.
- Fabricated MNs (525.4 ± 3.8 µm height, 157.4 ± 2.0 µm base width) exhibited high swelling (1508.2 ± 66.2%) and collection volume (124.6 ± 7.4 µL).
- Achieved significant skin insertion depth (approx. 400 µm for 50% of MNs) with good analyte recoveries (71.8–78.3%) and mechanical stability.
Conclusions:
- The optimized hydrogel microneedle formulation shows significant potential for efficient and minimally invasive dermal interstitial fluid microsampling.
- The developed MNs are suitable for point-of-care testing applications, offering robust performance and high collection volumes.
- This study highlights the successful application of design of experiments for optimizing microneedle properties for biomedical applications.
