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Updated: Apr 30, 2026
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Hollow Microneedle-based Sensor for Multiplexed Transdermal Electrochemical Sensing
Published on: June 1, 2012
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Near-Infrared Triggered Biodegradable Microneedle Patch for Controlled Macromolecule Drug Release
Yifan Cheng1,2, Junzhu Yang1,2, Sanyang Han3
1Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
Macromolecular Bioscience
|April 9, 2024
Summary
New biodegradable microneedle (MN) patches offer controlled transdermal drug delivery for macromolecules. Near-infrared light triggers drug release, enhancing absorption and showing therapeutic effects in mice.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Drug Delivery Systems
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Transdermal drug delivery offers convenience but faces challenges with macromolecule drugs due to low efficiency and poor absorption.
- Developing efficient, safe, and controllable transdermal methods is crucial for therapeutic applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop efficient, safe, and controllable transdermal delivery of macromolecule drugs using biodegradable composite microneedles (MNs).
- To investigate the near-infrared (NIR) triggered release mechanism and optimize MN properties for enhanced drug delivery.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of calcium sulfate and gelatin composite MN patches using polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) molds.
- Incorporation of a photothermal agent (IR780) for NIR-triggered drug release.
- Optimization of MN structure, 1-tetradecanol (TD) coating, and gelatin to calcium sulfate ratio (2:6) for enhanced control.
Main Results:
- The developed MN patches successfully delivered both macro and micro molecule drugs transdermally.
- NIR irradiation effectively controlled the release of macromolecule drugs from the MNs.
- Insulin-loaded MN patches demonstrated therapeutic effects in healthy mice, indicating potential for transdermal drug delivery.
Conclusions:
- Biodegradable composite MNs provide a controllable platform for transdermal drug delivery of macromolecules.
- NIR-triggered release offers a safe and efficient method for enhancing drug absorption and therapeutic outcomes.
- This technology holds promise for personalized treatment strategies via transdermal ingestion.
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