Optimisation of microneedle array design for microneedle mediated iontophoretic transdermal drug delivery

It has recently been suggested that a combination of microneedle (MN) and iontophoresis (ITP) technologies may broaden the range of macromolecules that may be successfully delivered across the skin, with the added benefit of precise electronic control over the rate of transdermal drug delivery.

MNs are micron scale devices, up to 1.5 mm in length, that physically disrupt the stratum corneum and thus may be used to create aqueous pathways for the electrically facilitated transport of a variety of molecules across the skin.<br><br>The present study was designed to identify the most suitable polymeric MN array design for use as an electrically responsive device capable of providing both sustained and on-demand percutaneous drug delivery both in vitro and in vivo.<br><br>Soluble MN arrays loaded with a range of small to large molecules were fabricated from aqueous blends of 20% w/w poly(methyl vinyl ether co maleic acid) (PMVE/MA).