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Updated: Jul 15, 2025
Polymeric Microneedle Array Fabrication by Photolithography
Published on: November 17, 2015
Liposome-loaded polymeric microneedles for enhanced skin deposition of rifampicin
Qonita Kurnia Anjani1, Anjali K Pandya2, Sara Demartis3
1School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Medical Biology Centre, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK; Fakultas Farmasi, Universitas Megarezky, Jl. Antang Raya No. 43, Makassar 90234, Indonesia.
Abstract:
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a prevailing bacterial pathogen linked to superficial skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs). Rifampicin (RIF), a potent antibiotic against systemic and localised staphylococcal infections, faces limitations due to its low solubility. This constraint hampers its therapeutic potential for MRSA-induced SSTIs. To address this, an advanced liposomal system was designed for efficient dermal RIF delivery. Rifampicin-loaded liposomes (LipoRIF) were embedded within polymeric dissolving microneedles (DMNs) to enable targeted intradermal drug delivery. A robust Design of Experiment (DoE) methodology guided the systematic preparation and optimisation of LipoRIF formulations. The optimal LipoRIF formulation integrated within polymeric DMNs. These LipoRIF-DMNs exhibited favourable mechanical properties and effective skin insertion characteristics. Notably, in vitro assays on skin deposition unveiled a transformative result - the DMN platform significantly enhanced LipoRIF deposition within the skin, surpassing LipoRIF dispersion alone. Moreover, LipoRIF-DMNs displayed minimal cytotoxicity toward cells. Encouragingly, rigorous in vitro antimicrobial evaluations demonstrated LipoRIF-DMNs' capacity to inhibit MRSA growth compared to the control group. LipoRIF-DMNs propose a potentially enhanced, minimally invasive approach to effectively manage SSTIs and superficial skin ailments stemming from MRSA infections.
Insights
This study developed dissolving microneedles loaded with liposomal Rifampicin (LipoRIF-DMNs) for enhanced delivery to treat Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) skin infections. The novel system significantly improved drug deposition and inhibited bacterial growth, offering a promising minimally invasive treatment.
Area of Science:
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Biotechnology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) causes superficial skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs).
- Rifampicin (RIF) is effective against staphylococcal infections but has poor solubility, limiting its use for MRSA SSTIs.
- Current delivery methods for RIF in skin infections are suboptimal.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and optimize a novel drug delivery system for enhanced dermal delivery of Rifampicin (RIF).
- To create Rifampicin-loaded liposomes (LipoRIF) embedded in dissolving microneedles (DMNs) for targeted intradermal delivery.
- To evaluate the efficacy of LipoRIF-DMNs for treating MRSA-induced skin infections.
Main Methods:
- A Design of Experiment (DoE) methodology was employed for systematic formulation and optimization of LipoRIF.
- Polymeric dissolving microneedles (DMNs) were fabricated to encapsulate the optimized LipoRIF.
- In vitro skin deposition, mechanical properties, cytotoxicity, and antimicrobial activity assays were performed.
Main Results:
- Optimized LipoRIF-DMNs demonstrated favorable mechanical properties and skin insertion.
- The DMN platform significantly enhanced LipoRIF skin deposition compared to LipoRIF dispersion.
- LipoRIF-DMNs exhibited low cytotoxicity and potent in vitro inhibition of MRSA growth.
Conclusions:
- LipoRIF-DMNs represent a promising, minimally invasive strategy for enhanced RIF delivery to the skin.
- This novel system has the potential to effectively manage MRSA-induced SSTIs and superficial skin infections.
- The developed DMN technology offers a versatile platform for targeted dermal drug delivery.
