Sustainable Drug Release Using Nanoparticle Encapsulated Microneedles

Oh, SJ; Jung, JH

Abstract

Microneedle (MN) is a minimally invasive drug delivery method that is directly inserted into the skin without pain to improve the efficiency of transdermal administration and is a drug delivery system used to treat various diseases. Furthermore, nanoparticle (NP)-based drug delivery methods suggest therapeutic strategies to improve drug solubility and increase drug delivery efficiency. Therefore, the drug delivery system in which NPs and MNs are integrated is a promising alternative to the existing delivery methods of poorly soluble and hydrophobic drugs and nucleic acid therapeutics. This system can increase the solubility of drugs and biocompatibility in the body and improve the therapeutic efficacy with sustained drug release. In this review, we investigated recent studies of NPs designed for drug delivery, sustained-release drug delivery MNs based on these NPs, and the applications for clinical treatments.

Keywords: disease therapy; drug delivery; microneedles; nanoparticles; sustainable release; transdermal drug delivery

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Biopolymers & Synthetic Polymers

Polymer nanoparticle encapsulated microneedles represent a cutting-edge advancement in transdermal drug delivery systems, merging the benefits of biodegradable polymers and minimally invasive microneedle technology. Microneedles, small enough to painlessly penetrate the stratum corneum, the outermost skin layer, serve as conduits for therapeutic agents encapsulated within polymer nanoparticles. These nanoparticles, crafted from biocompatible polymers such as PLGA (poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)) or chitosan, can encapsulate a diverse array of drugs, including small molecules, proteins, and nucleic acids, protecting them from degradation and controlling their release. The integration of polymer nanoparticles with microneedles ensures a sustained and targeted release of the encapsulated drugs directly into the dermal tissue, enhancing therapeutic efficacy and reducing systemic side effects. This delivery system is particularly advantageous for vaccines, enabling precise delivery of antigens to immune cells, thereby improving immunogenicity. Additionally, polymer nanoparticle encapsulated microneedles are being explored for chronic disease management, where they can provide a steady release of medication over time, improving patient compliance. Their application extends to cosmetic dermatology as well, delivering active ingredients for anti-aging treatments more effectively than topical creams. This innovative combination of technologies offers a versatile and highly effective platform for both medical and cosmetic applications, marking a significant leap forward in transdermal drug delivery.