Bioactive-Loaded Detachable Crosslinked Hyaluronic Acid Microneedles: Structural Validation and Clinical Anti-Wrinkle...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Dermal Drug Delivery
• Cosmetic Science

Background:

• Delivering biopolymer matrices to the superficial dermis via microneedles is challenging.
• Conventional dissolving microneedle platforms have limitations for sustained delivery.
• A safe, effective microneedle system for at-home cosmetic applications is needed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a detachable microneedle system for delivering a crosslinked hyaluronic acid (cHA) matrix.
• To achieve reliable delivery of cosmetic peptides and functional excipients to the dermal-epidermal junction (~300 μm).
• To assess the mechanical properties and clinical efficacy of the cHA matrix delivered by the microneedle system.

Main Methods:

• Design of a detachable microneedle system with 350 μm needle geometry.
• Formulation of a cHA matrix loaded with cosmetic peptides and excipients.
• Mechanical compression analysis to evaluate needle stiffness and penetration depth.
• Ex vivo skin penetration assessment.
• 14-day clinical evaluation using 3D topography to measure skin surface roughness and wrinkle height.

Main Results:

• The cHA matrix significantly enhanced needle stiffness (0.059 to 0.081 N/mm).
• The microneedle system achieved a reliable ex vivo penetration depth of 335 ± 22 μm.
• Clinical evaluation demonstrated excellent tolerability with no adverse effects.
• Significant reductions in surface roughness (Ra) and maximum wrinkle height (Rt) were observed.

Conclusions:

• The detachable microneedle system effectively delivers a cHA matrix to the superficial dermis.
• The cHA matrix formulation enhances microneedle structural integrity and penetration depth.
• The system offers a safe and effective solution for at-home cosmetic treatments, improving skin texture and reducing wrinkles.