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Updated: May 13, 2026
Generation of Alginate Microspheres for Biomedical Applications
Published on: August 12, 2012
Sodium Alginate Microneedles Loaded with Vancomycin for Skin Infections
Juhaina M Abu Ershaid1,2, Han Zhang1, May Tayyem3
1School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK.
Background:
Skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) present significant treatment challenges. These infections often require systemic antibiotics such as vancomycin, which poses a risk for increased bacterial resistance. Topical treatments are hindered by the barrier function of the skin, and microneedles (MNs) offer a promising solution, increasing patient compliance and negating the need for traditional needles.
Methods:
This study focused on the use of sodium alginate MNs for vancomycin delivery directly to the site of infection via a cost-effective micromolding technique. Dissolving polymeric MNs made of sodium alginate and loaded with vancomycin were fabricated and evaluated in terms of their physical properties, delivery ability, and antimicrobial activity.
Results:
The MNs achieved a 378 μm depth of insertion into ex vivo skin and a 5.0 ± 0 mm zone of inhibition in agar disc diffusion assays. Furthermore, in ex vivo Franz cell experiments, the MNs delivered 34.46 ± 11.31 μg of vancomycin with around 35% efficiency, with 9.88 ± 0.57 μg deposited in the skin after 24 h.
Conclusions:
These findings suggest that sodium alginate MNs are a viable platform for antimicrobial agent delivery in SSTIs. Future in vivo studies are essential to confirm the safety and effectiveness of this innovative method for clinical use.
