Dissolvable microneedle particles for enhanced topical drug delivery

Abstract

The stratum corneum presents a significant obstacle to drug delivery within the skin. To address this challenge, researchers have developed a new class of spherical particles known as microneedle particles. These particles are a few millimeters in size and are made of biocompatible materials with micron-sized bumps. The primary purpose of these bumps is to create micropores in the stratum corneum, facilitating the delivery of active compounds to the deeper layers of the skin. In vitro studies on porcine skin have demonstrated that gentle topical application of 30S microneedle particles can significantly enhance the permeability of gentian violet. This enhancement results in a remarkable increase in drug delivery, ranging from one to two orders of magnitude. Moreover, this approach is well-tolerated, low-cost, and simple to perform. Notably, it has been found to enhance drug delivery to the skin, thereby expanding the range of compounds that can be effectively delivered topically.