Microneedle-enhanced drug delivery : fabrication, characterization, and insights into release and permeation of nanocrystalline imiquimod
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Abstract
Transcutaneous delivery systems bear several advantages over conventional
needle-based injections. Considering the low bioavailability and poor water solubility of imiquimod, a manufacturing process has been developed to
incorporate imiquimod as suspended nanocrystals in different formulations. In
this study, three formulations - fast-dissolving microneedle arrays that contain
nanocrystalline imiquimod in a poly (vinyl)alcohol matrix and two semisolid
preparations-were characterized and compared. The results show that
microneedle arrays have an advantage over the semisolid preparations
regarding in vitro release and permeation characteristics. Microneedle arrays
facilitate ex vivo permeation, thus reducing the applied dose by 93% compared to
the semisolid formulations. Additionally, the amount of imiquimod permeated
after 24 h maintained the same level even when the contact time of the
formulation with the skin is less than 1 hour. In conclusion, our results
highlight the great potential of advanced microneedle based delivery systems
and foster the further evaluation of this approach.
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Frontiers in drug delivery, 4, Frontiers Media SA, Lausanne, 2024, https://doi.org/10.3389/fddev.2024.1425144