Development and Evaluation of Dual Microneedle Array Patch for Sequential Intradermal Delivery of Adjuvant and Antigen

Ye-Lim Lee ¹, Hye-Ran Cha ², Da-Eun Lee ¹

⁰Department of BioNano Technology, Gachon BioNano Research Institute, Gachon University, Seongnam, Gyeonggi-Do, 13120, Republic of Korea.

Pharmaceutical Research +

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September 4, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

A novel Dual-Delivery Microneedle Array Patch (MAP) system enables separate, sequential administration of vaccine antigens and adjuvants. This approach enhances immune responses and offers personalized vaccination strategies, outperforming conventional co-delivery methods.

Area Of Science

Vaccinology
Biomaterials Science
Immunology

Background

Recombinant protein vaccines require adjuvants to boost weak immunogenicity.
Conventional co-delivery microneedle array patches (MAPs) have limitations in loading capacity and potential antigen-adjuvant interactions.
Adjuvants can cause adverse reactions, necessitating safer delivery methods.

Purpose Of The Study

To develop a Dual-Delivery MAP system for separate and sequential administration of antigens and adjuvants.
To overcome limitations of conventional co-delivery MAPs.
To support personalized vaccination strategies and improve vaccine safety and efficacy.

Main Methods

Developed a Dual-Delivery MAP system with a coated MAP for ovalbumin (OVA) and a dissolving MAP for CTA1 adjuvant.
Sequentially applied patches to the same skin site.
Evaluated delivery efficiency, intradermal distribution, and immunogenicity compared to co-delivery MAPs and intramuscular injection.

Main Results

Both Dual-Delivery and Co-Delivery MAPs showed similar delivery efficiency (~70%).
The Dual-Delivery MAP induced significantly higher IgG titers against both CTA1 and OVA compared to the Co-Delivery MAP.
Immune responses from the Dual-Delivery MAP were comparable to those achieved via intramuscular injection.

Conclusions

The Dual-Delivery MAP offers a novel, modular approach for targeted skin vaccination.
Separating antigen and adjuvant enhances stability, preserves adjuvant efficacy, and enables personalized vaccine administration.
This system presents a promising strategy for developing more effective and safer vaccines.

Keywords:

Flexible adjuvant dose Independent antigen-adjuvant formulation Selective adjuvant administration Sequential antigen-adjuvant delivery Vaccine microneedle