Dacarbazine-loaded Bilayer Dissolving Microneedle Array Patch for Localized Delivery in Cutaneous Melanoma

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Dermatology
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Melanoma is an aggressive skin cancer with limited localized treatment options.
• Current dacarbazine (DCB) delivery methods cause systemic toxicity and poor distribution.
• There is a need for improved localized drug delivery systems for cutaneous melanoma.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a bilayer dissolving microneedle array patch (dMAP) for localized skin delivery of dacarbazine (DCB).
• To assess the efficacy, stability, and safety of the dMAP system for melanoma treatment.

Main Methods:

• Optimized tip-casting gel formulation for defect-free microneedles.
• Evaluated mechanical properties and insertion depth of the dMAP.
• Performed ex vivo skin studies using neonatal porcine skin.
• Assessed drug permeability, deposition, and stability.

Main Results:

• Optimized dMAP showed strong mechanical properties and effective skin insertion (~390 µm depth).
• dMAP demonstrated complete tip dissolution within 60 min and effective pore formation.
• Ex vivo studies showed a 3.93-fold increase in permeability and 3.02-fold increase in DCB deposition.
• dMAP maintained drug stability for 8 days, while free DCB degraded.

Conclusions:

• Bilayer dMAP offers a stable, minimally invasive, and efficient platform for localized skin drug delivery.
• This dMAP system presents a promising alternative to conventional topical formulations for cutaneous melanoma treatment.