Microneedles (MNs) offer a rapid method of transdermal drug delivery through penetration of the stratum corneum. However, commercial translation has been limited by fabrication techniques unique to each drug. Herein, a broadly applicable platform is explored by drug-loading via swelling effect of a hydrogel MN patch. A range of small molecule hydrophilic, hydrophobic, and biomacromolecule therapeutics demonstrate successful loading and burst release from hydrogel MNs fabricated from methacrylated hyaluronic acid (MeHA). The post-fabrication drug loading process allows MeHA MN patches with drug loadings of 10 μg cm-2. Additional post-fabrication processes are explored with dendrimer bioadhesives that increase work of adhesion, ensuring stable fixation on skin, and allow for additional drug loading strategies.
Keywords: bioadhesive; dendrimer; microneedles; self‐adhesive; transdermal drug delivery.
© 2020 The Authors. Bioengineering & Translational Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of The American Institute of Chemical Engineers.