A biodegradable suction patch for sustainable transbuccal peptide delivery

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Drug Delivery Systems
• Polymer Chemistry

Background:

• Oral peptide administration faces challenges due to gastrointestinal degradation and poor permeability.
• Current peptide therapies often require injections, limiting patient compliance.
• Existing bioinspired suction patches utilize non-degradable materials, posing environmental concerns.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a sustainable, biodegradable alternative to non-degradable buccal suction patches for enhanced peptide delivery.
• To evaluate the mechanical properties, degradation profile, and ex vivo/in vivo performance of the novel biodegradable patches.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of biodegradable patches using synthesized and functionalized copolyesters via mold casting and thermal crosslinking.
• Mechanical testing, degradation studies in aqueous and simulated waste environments.
• Ex vivo permeation studies using porcine buccal tissue and in vivo pharmacokinetic studies in beagle dogs.

Main Results:

• Identified optimal polymer and fabrication parameters for patch performance.
• Confirmed patch biodegradability in aqueous and simulated waste conditions.
• Demonstrated enhanced dye permeation ex vivo and significantly improved oral bioavailability of semaglutide and bremelanotide in vivo compared to existing delivery methods.

Conclusions:

• Biodegradable copolyester patches offer a sustainable and effective alternative for buccal peptide delivery.
• The developed patches show potential for improving the bioavailability of peptide therapeutics, reducing reliance on injections.
• This approach represents a significant advancement in environmentally conscious drug delivery systems.