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Formulation and Characterization of PLGA Minocycline Microneedles for Enhanced Skin Deposition and Antibacterial
Juhaina M Abu Ershaid1, Suha M Abudoleh2, Dima N Lafi1
1Department of Applied Pharmaceutical Sciences and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Isra University, Amman 11622, Jordan.
Abstract:
Acne is a multifactorial skin condition characterized by an infection in the pilosebaceous units in the skin. Patients with acne suffer from comedones, papules, pustules and nodules or cysts in severe cases. These clinical features might cause disfigurmentation, depression, anxiety and significantly impact the quality of life of patients. Systemic and continuous exposure of antibiotics put patients at risk of developing systemic toxicity, bacterial resistance and gut dysbiosis. Microneedles offer an innovative approach of providing targeted topical delivery of minocycline while insuring efficient permeation through skin layers. Methods: minocycline microneedles were formulated using casting method and characterized for insertion ability, mechanical strength, drug content, antibacterial activities, deposition and dissolution behavior using ex vivo full-thickness rat skin. Results: Insertion tests confirmed effective skin penetration and mechanical integrity with only 9.5% height reduction. Drug content was 673.06 ± 5.34 µg/array. Dissolution occurred within 2 min in skin, indicating user-friendly wear time. Ex vivo Franz diffusion studies showed 26% of the drug deposited into the skin, significantly higher (p = 0.0068) than the 18.3% that permeated through it. Antibacterial testing revealed strong activity against S. aureus, S. epidermidis, and C. acnes, with MIC values < 0.146 µg/mL and MBC values ranging from 9.375-18.75 µg/mL. Conclusions: The result of this research demonstrate that minocycline microneedles effectively deliver minocycline into the skin highlighting their potential as a safer and more efficient alternative for acne therapy.
Insights
Minocycline microneedles offer a novel topical treatment for acne, enhancing drug delivery into the skin. This approach shows potential for safer and more effective acne therapy compared to traditional oral antibiotics.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Nanotechnology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Acne vulgaris is a common skin condition with significant psychological impact.
- Current antibiotic treatments for acne carry risks of toxicity, resistance, and gut dysbiosis.
- Targeted topical delivery systems are needed to improve acne treatment efficacy and safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and characterize minocycline-loaded microneedles for enhanced topical acne therapy.
- To evaluate the skin penetration, deposition, and antibacterial efficacy of minocycline microneedles.
- To assess microneedles as a safer alternative to systemic antibiotic administration for acne.
Main Methods:
- Minocycline microneedles were fabricated using a casting method.
- Characterization included insertion ability, mechanical strength, drug content, and dissolution studies.
- Ex vivo skin penetration, deposition, and antibacterial activity against acne-related bacteria were assessed.
Main Results:
- Microneedles demonstrated effective skin penetration with good mechanical integrity.
- High drug content (673.06 ± 5.34 µg/array) and rapid dissolution (< 2 min) were observed.
- Ex vivo studies showed significant drug deposition (26%) into the skin with potent antibacterial activity against S. aureus, S. epidermidis, and C. acnes.
Conclusions:
- Minocycline microneedles provide efficient and targeted delivery of the antibiotic into the skin.
- This microneedle technology presents a promising, safer, and more effective alternative for acne treatment.
- The findings support the potential of microneedles to overcome limitations of conventional systemic antibiotic therapies for acne.
