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Biodegradable sustained-release microneedle patch loaded with clindamycin hydrochloride: a breakthrough in acne
Haomei Fan1,2,3, Ruohan Liao1, Yiling Yang1
1Department of Dermatology, Research Institute of Tissue Engineering and Stem Cells, The Second Clinical College of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China.
Frontiers in Pharmacology
|June 16, 2025
Summary
Biodegradable microneedles deliver clindamycin hydrochloride effectively through the skin barrier for acne treatment. These microneedles offer sustained drug release and possess antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Dermatology
- Drug Delivery Systems
Background:
- Clindamycin hydrochloride, a common acne antibiotic, has poor skin penetration due to hydrophilicity and the stratum corneum barrier.
- Gelatin-methacryloyl (GelMA) hydrogel microneedles (GM-Clin-MN) were developed to overcome these delivery challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate GelMA-based microneedles for enhanced intradermal delivery of clindamycin hydrochloride for acne treatment.
- To assess the drug loading, release kinetics, skin penetration, biosafety, and therapeutic efficacy of the developed microneedles.
Main Methods:
- Microneedle patches were fabricated using PDMS molds and characterized using SEM, FTIR, and fluorescence microscopy.
- Drug loading, release, mechanical strength, skin penetration, biosafety (cytotoxicity, irritation), and antibacterial efficacy against C. acnes were evaluated.
- In vivo acne treatment efficacy was assessed in a rat model, including histological and immunohistochemical analyses.
Main Results:
- GM-Clin-MN achieved significant drug loading and demonstrated sustained clindamycin release over 10 days.
- Microneedles successfully penetrated ex vivo skin, showed rapid dissolution, and were non-cytotoxic and non-irritating.
- 100% inhibition of C. acnes was observed, and in vivo studies showed suppressed acne inflammation and potential anti-scarring effects.
Conclusions:
- GM-Clin-MN provide a minimally invasive approach for sustained clindamycin delivery, bypassing the stratum corneum.
- This dual-action strategy combines potent antibacterial effects with anti-inflammatory modulation for effective acne management.
