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Recent progress in PLGA-based microneedle-mediated transdermal drug and vaccine delivery
Atefeh Malek-Khatabi1, Malihe Sadat Razavi2,3, Alyeh Abdollahi1
1Department of Pharmaceutical Biomaterials and Medical Biomaterials Research Center, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Biomaterials Science
|June 30, 2023
Summary
Polymeric microneedles (MNs) offer minimally invasive delivery of drugs and vaccines by bypassing the skin barrier. This review highlights advances in polylactic glycolic acid (PLGA)-based MNs, covering their types, applications, and future prospects.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
Background:
- Microneedles (MNs) are advanced delivery systems that enable minimally invasive transdermal and intradermal administration.
- Polymeric MN arrays, particularly those made from polylactic glycolic acid (PLGA), are gaining prominence due to their biocompatibility and biodegradability.
- PLGA is an FDA-approved copolymer, making PLGA-based MNs a safe and effective option for therapeutic delivery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the latest advancements in polylactic glycolic acid (PLGA)-based microneedle (MN) technology.
- To discuss both PLGA nanoparticle-based and PLGA matrix-based MNs for various therapeutic applications.
- To explore the diverse types of MNs and their potential uses, alongside future challenges and opportunities.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent studies on PLGA-based microneedles.
- Analysis of different fabrication methods for PLGA MNs (nanoparticle-based and matrix-based).
- Synthesis of information on applications in drug, vaccine, and protein delivery.
Main Results:
- PLGA-based MNs demonstrate significant potential for enhanced drug and vaccine delivery by overcoming the stratum corneum barrier.
- Both nanoparticle and matrix-based PLGA MNs are effective carriers for various therapeutic agents.
- A wide range of applications for PLGA MNs are emerging, including targeted intradermal delivery.
Conclusions:
- PLGA-based microneedles represent a promising frontier in transdermal and intradermal delivery systems.
- Continued research into PLGA MNs is essential to overcome existing challenges and fully realize their therapeutic potential.
- The biocompatibility and biodegradability of PLGA support its use in innovative MN delivery platforms.
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