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Updated: Aug 6, 2026
Injectable Supramolecular Polymer-Nanoparticle Hydrogels for Cell and Drug Delivery Applications
Published on: February 7, 2021
Integration of hydrogel forming microneedles with polyethylene glycol reservoir assisted clindamycin dermal delivery
Dewi Purwaningsih1, Christopher Kosasi1, Nun Salsabila Maddeppungeng1
1Faculty of Pharmacy, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia.
Abstract:
Diabetic ulcers (DU), commonly caused by impaired circulation and bacterial infection, remain a leading source of morbidity and mortality in patients with diabetes mellitus worldwide. Clindamycin (CLD) is recommended for mild to moderate DU infections, targeting Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus spp.; however, current CLD formulations still present several limitations. Therefore, the development of alternative dosage forms is essential to overcome these challenges. To develop a new strategy in delivering Clindamycin precisely to the target of action and controlled with a Hydrogel Forming Microneedle (HFM) system integrated with a PEG reservoir. Clindamycin will be made in the HFM system using the crosslink method of 2 types of polymers then Clindamycin will be formulated into a PEG reservoir with several types of PEG combinations from different MWs to optimize CLD loading, then physical and chemical characterization, ex vivo permeation and antibiofilm activity testing will be carried out. The HFM was successfully developed with desirable mechanical strength and reliable insertion performance (penetrate up to 72% of needle height). The results of the ex vivo permeation test showed that this formulation successfully delivered CLD through the dermal route with an efficiency of up to 85% (equivalent to 21.3 ± 1.57 mg/mL). The antibiofilm activity of all three HFM formulations was significantly different (p < 0.05) from that of the plain hydrogel. The development of Clindamycin in the form of HFM integrated with a PEG reservoir produces a Clindamycin preparation with good, safe and non-invasive characteristics.
Insights
A novel Hydrogel Forming Microneedle (HFM) system effectively delivers Clindamycin (CLD) for diabetic ulcers (DU). This innovative microneedle patch offers a safe, non-invasive approach to treat bacterial infections in diabetic wounds.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Dermatology
Background:
- Diabetic ulcers (DU) are a major cause of morbidity and mortality globally, often complicated by bacterial infections like *Staphylococcus aureus*.
- Current Clindamycin (CLD) formulations for DU have limitations, necessitating advanced drug delivery systems.
- Effective treatment requires precise delivery of antibiotics to the wound site to combat infection and prevent complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and characterize a novel Hydrogel Forming Microneedle (HFM) system for controlled and targeted delivery of Clindamycin (CLD).
- To integrate the HFM system with a Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) reservoir for optimized CLD loading and release.
- To evaluate the physical, chemical, *ex vivo* permeation, and antibiofilm properties of the developed CLD-loaded HFM system.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of HFM systems using a crosslinking method with two polymer types.
- Formulation of CLD within a PEG reservoir using various PEG molecular weights to optimize drug loading.
- Comprehensive characterization including mechanical strength, insertion performance, *ex vivo* dermal permeation studies, and antibiofilm assays.
Main Results:
- Successfully developed HFM systems exhibited adequate mechanical strength and reliable insertion, penetrating up to 72% of needle height.
- The *ex vivo* permeation study demonstrated efficient dermal delivery of CLD, achieving up to 85% efficiency (21.3 ± 1.57 mg/mL).
- All HFM formulations showed significant antibiofilm activity compared to plain hydrogels (p < 0.05).
Conclusions:
- The developed Clindamycin-loaded HFM system integrated with a PEG reservoir offers a promising, safe, and non-invasive approach for treating diabetic ulcers.
- This novel microneedle technology facilitates precise and controlled drug delivery, potentially improving therapeutic outcomes for diabetic wound infections.
- The HFM system overcomes limitations of conventional CLD formulations, paving the way for advanced topical treatments for diabetic foot complications.
