Electro-Drawn Drug-Loaded Biodegradable Polymer Microneedles as a Viable Route to Hypodermic Injection

Year: 2014

Authors: Vecchione R., Coppola S., Esposito E., Casale C., Vespini V., Grilli S., Ferraro P., Netti P. A.

Autors Affiliation: Ist Nazl Ottica, Unita Napoli, I-80078 Pozzuoli Napoli, Italy; Ist Italiano Tecnol, Ctr Adv Biomat Hlth Care IIT CRIB, I-80125 Naples, Italy; Univ Naples Federico II, CRIB, I-80125 Naples, Italy

Abstract: Hypodermic needle injection is still the most common method of drug delivery despite its numerous limitations and drawbacks, such as pain, one-shot administration, and risk of infection. Seeking a viable, safe, and pain-free alternative to the over 16 billion injections per year has therefore become a top priority for our modern technological society. Here, a system that uses a pyroelectric cartridge in lieu of the syringe piston as a potential solution is discussed. Upon stimulation, the cartridge electro-draws, at room temperature, an array of drug-encapsulated, biodegradable polymer microneedles, able to deliver into hypodermic tissue both hydrophobic and hydrophilic bioactive agents, according to a predefined chrono-programme. This mould-free and contact-free method permits the fabrication of biodegradable polymer microneedles into a ready-to-use configuration. In fact, they are formed on a flexible substrate/holder by drawing them directly from drop reservoirs, using a controlled electro-hydrodynamic force. Tests of insertion are performed and discussed in order to demonstrate the possibility to prepare microneedles with suitable geometric and mechanical properties using this method.

Journal/Review: ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS

Volume: 24 (23)      Pages from: 3515  to: 3523

KeyWords: polymer microneedles; electro-drawing; subcutaneous drug delivery; poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)
DOI: 10.1002/adfm.201303679

Citations: 83
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