A novel rotation-based spray-coating method for modifying the release profile of immediate-release dissolving
Martin Cseh1, Réka Hegedüs2, Anita Kovács2
1Institute of Pharmaceutical Technology and Regulatory Affairs, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Szeged H-6720 Szeged, Hungary; 3D Center, University of Szeged, Tisza Lajos blvd. 107., H-6725 Szeged, Hungary.
International Journal of Pharmaceutics
|July 12, 2026
Summary
A novel spray-coating technique uniformly coats dissolving microneedle arrays (DMNAs) with Eudragit RS. This method enables extended release of protein-based drugs, improving transdermal delivery and patient compliance.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Pharmaceutical Technology
- Drug Delivery Systems
Background:
- Microneedle arrays (MNAs) offer efficient transdermal delivery of poorly soluble drugs like peptides and proteins.
- Dissolving microneedles (DMNAs) are promising, but achieving extended-release profiles remains a challenge.
- Current MNA technologies require optimization for consistent drug loading and release.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an efficient, uniform coating method for DMNAs using a novel spray-coating technique.
- To incorporate a model protein (FITC-BSA) into the DMNAs.
- To evaluate the coating's uniformity, skin penetration, and drug release characteristics.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a novel rotation-based spray-coating technique to apply Eudragit RS to DMNAs.
- Incorporated fluorescein isothiocyanate-labelled bovine serum albumin (FITC-BSA) as a model active pharmaceutical ingredient (API).
- Employed microscopy, Raman mapping, texture analysis, mechanical penetration, dissolution, and ex vivo permeation studies for characterization.
Main Results:
- Achieved uniform coating of DMNAs with Eudragit RS using the spray-coating method.
- Confirmed successful skin penetration of the coated MNAs.
- Demonstrated that the Eudragit RS coating extends the release profile of FITC-BSA.
Conclusions:
- The developed rotation-based spray-coating technique provides a uniform and efficient method for producing coated DMNAs.
- This innovative approach supports the development of extended-release MNA formulations for enhanced transdermal drug delivery.
- The findings lay the groundwork for future research into drug-in-coating and extended-release MNA systems.
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