Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Srividya Gorantla, Unnati Batra, R. N. Samshritha, Eswara Rao Puppala, Tejashree Waghule, V. G. M. Naidu, Gautam Singhvi
Summary: This review provides detailed information on the usage of microneedles in drug delivery for the management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It highlights the effectiveness and advantages of microneedles in delivering drugs, including painless delivery and bypassing first-pass metabolism.
EXPERT OPINION ON DRUG DELIVERY
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Guo Xu, Yukuan Mao, Tianyue Jiang, Bingbing Gao, Bingfang He
Summary: This review highlights the structural design strategies and biomedical applications of microneedle-based vaccines. By selecting appropriate materials and methods, microneedle-based vaccines with strong mechanical properties and variable forms can be fabricated for monitoring or augmenting human immunity. The mechanism of skin immunity, classification and fabrication approaches of microneedles, as well as their applications in sampling and therapy, are discussed.
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
(2022)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Keisheni Ganeson, Ain Hafizah Alias, Vikneswaran Murugaiyah, Al-Ashraf Abdullah Amirul, Seeram Ramakrishna, Sevakumaran Vigneswari
Summary: Cancer is a leading cause of death globally and has a significant impact on patients' quality of life and the world economy. Conventional cancer therapies have limitations such as long treatment duration, systemic drug exposure, pain, side effects, and recurrence. Microneedles, a novel technology for transdermal application, are being extensively studied for their potential in cancer therapy, offering benefits like self-administration, painless treatment, and environmental friendliness. This review explores the types, fabrication methods, materials, recent advances, and opportunities of microneedles in cancer therapy, as well as addressing the challenges and limitations while suggesting solutions for their clinical translation.
Article
Biophysics
Dan Dan Zhu, Le Wen Zheng, Phan Khanh Duong, Reanne Hui Cheah, Xin Yi Liu, Jun Ren Wong, Wen Jun Wang, Steven Thng Tien Guan, Xin Ting Zheng, Peng Chen
Summary: In this study, a highly swellable microneedle patch was developed to painlessly and bloodlessly extract skin interstitial fluid (ISF) for rapid detection of multiple biomarkers through color change. The experimental results demonstrated the feasibility of this method to detect various biomarkers in ISF within minutes.
BIOSENSORS & BIOELECTRONICS
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zhenzhen Qi, Zheng Yan, Guohongfang Tan, Subhas C. Kundu, Shenzhou Lu
Summary: Research on smart responsive polymer microneedles aims to achieve local accurate drug release, which have advantages such as painless administration, good biocompatibility, and ease of self-administration, and hold significant research implications in transdermal drug administration.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Hongmei Hu, Hang Ruan, Shuyao Ruan, Lixia Pei, Qian Jing, Tong Wu, Xiaolin Hou, Hao Xu, Youjie Wang, Nianping Feng, Yongtai Zhang
Summary: By designing PEGylated star-shaped PLGA nanoparticles with immune stealth and acid-responsive properties, the drug-loading ability and release efficiency of tetrandrine (Tet) were significantly improved. Furthermore, the integration of these nanoparticles into dissolving microneedles resulted in enhanced transdermal delivery and potential therapeutic efficacy for anti-inflammation treatment.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Review
Engineering, Biomedical
Dan Yang, Minglong Chen, Ying Sun, Yunpan Jin, Chao Lu, Xin Pan, Guilan Quan, Chuanbin Wu
Summary: This review discusses the emergence of versatile microneedles for transdermal delivery of various drugs, especially focusing on their application in treating different skin diseases such as superficial tumors, scars, psoriasis, herpes, acne, and alopecia. It also summarizes the promises and challenges of widespread translation of microneedles for transdermal drug delivery in dermatology.
ACTA BIOMATERIALIA
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Geonwoo Kang, Minkyung Kim, Huisuk Yang, Jiwoo Shin, Jeeho Sim, Hyeri Ahn, Mingyu Jang, Youseong Kim, Hye Su Min, Hyungil Jung
Summary: A latch applicator, consisting of simple plastic parts and operated by thumb force, was developed for efficient and cost-effective administration of dissolving microneedles (DMN). The optimized latch applicator demonstrated successful insertion of the drug-loaded DMN into the skin and showed higher antibody production compared to intramuscular injection in an immunization test. This latch applicator has the potential to greatly improve drug delivery, including vaccines, with its effective DMN insertion and competitive price.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Geonwoo Kang, Minkyung Kim, Huisuk Yang, Jiwoo Shin, Jeeho Sim, Hyeri Ahn, Mingyu Jang, Youseong Kim, Hye Su Min, Hyungil Jung
Summary: In this article, a novel applicator is developed to efficiently insert dissolving microneedle patches into the skin with optimized force and velocity. This applicator is cost-competitive and easy to use with thumb-force operation. The study shows that the microneedle and applicator system can generate significantly higher antibody levels compared to intramuscular injection when using a model antigen.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Ashana Puri, Dorcas Frempong, Dhruv Mishra, Prashant Dogra
Summary: This study evaluated the effect of microneedles on improving the skin permeation of naloxone hydrochloride for the treatment of opioid overdose. The results showed that microneedles can significantly enhance the permeation of naloxone, with increased donor concentration and longer application duration leading to improved effects. Modeling simulations indicated that microneedle-mediated transdermal delivery could achieve a pharmacokinetic profile comparable to FDA-approved intramuscular and intranasal devices for naloxone administration in opioid overdose cases.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS
(2021)
Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Fei Qu, Rui Geng, Yijing Liu, Jintao Zhu
Summary: Skin diseases have a significant impact on patients' quality of life and the global economy. Advanced transdermal drug delivery strategies, such as nanocarrier and microneedle-based systems, offer efficient and targeted drug delivery with reduced side effects and improved functions.
Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Sakshi Priya, Gautam Singhvi
Summary: This review highlights the recent advancements of microneedles (MNs) in pain management, including case studies on the treatment of chronic pain-associated diseases and the clinical trials, patents, and future goals.
BIOMEDICINE & PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Luca Casula, Rosa Pireddu, Maria Cristina Cardia, Elena Pini, Donatella Valenti, Michele Schlich, Chiara Sinico, Salvatore Marceddu, Nina Dragicevic, Anna Maria Fadda, Francesco Lai
Summary: Combining microneedle arrays with nanosuspensions can enhance the skin delivery of water insoluble drugs by temporarily disrupting the stratum corneum.
Article
Materials Science, Paper & Wood
Jin Ah Kim, Soo Chan Park, Seung-Jun Lee, Jin-Chul Kim
Summary: The addition of cellulose nanofibers to dissolving microneedle arrays increases needle stiffness and enhances skin-piercing capability. However, it also decreases the dissolution rate and transdermal delivery rate of water-soluble cargo loaded in the microneedles.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Maria C. Lobita, Nesma El-Sayed, Joao F. Pinto, Helder A. Santos
Summary: Delivery of cancer cell membranes (CM) is a new approach for cancer immunotherapy. In this study, fast dissolving microneedles (MNs) loaded with melanoma CM were developed and evaluated using two different polymers. The results show that the HA-MN system is a promising device for melanoma immunotherapy.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS
(2023)
Article
Dentistry, Oral Surgery & Medicine
Divesh Sardana, Manikandan Ekambaram, Yanqi Yang, Colman P. McGrath, Cynthia K. Y. Yiu
Summary: The study aimed to compare the efficacy of different varnishes in preventing white spot lesions during orthodontic treatment. The results showed that the application of the varnishes, along with standard oral hygiene instructions, did not provide additional benefits in preventing white spot lesions.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PAEDIATRIC DENTISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Omar Tricinci, Francesca Pignatelli, Virgilio Mattoli
Summary: Bioinspired functional surfaces, such as the Salvinia-effect, show remarkable properties in wettability and drag force reduction. By combining 3D laser lithography and microfabrication techniques, surfaces inspired by the morphology and chemical coating of Salvinia Molesta leaves are created. These surfaces exhibit super-hydrophobicity, tunable adhesion, and remarkable underwater air retention capability. In hydrodynamic conditions, they also demonstrate significant drag force reduction and energy savings of up to 40%.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Qonita Kurnia Anjani, Sara Demartis, Fabiana Volpe-Zanutto, Huanhuan Li, Akmal Hidayat Bin Sabri, Elisabetta Gavini, Ryan F. F. Donnelly
Summary: Rose Bengal (RB) is a fluorescent dye used in biomedical applications, especially in dermatology. Advanced delivery systems have been developed to enhance its permeation across the skin. However, there is currently no validated method for quantitatively analyzing RB in the skin. This study proposes fluorescence-based techniques and describes the development and validation of a fluorescence-coupled HPLC method to quantify RB in the skin matrix for the first time. Qualitative analysis using multiphoton microscopy and fluorescence emission spectra provides additional insight into RB's distribution and behavior in different environments.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Delly Ramadon, Lissa Florencia Putri Sutrisna, Yahdiana Harahap, Kurnia Sari Setio Putri, Fathin Ulayya, Pietradewi Hartrianti, Qonita Kurnia Anjani, Ryan F. Donnelly
Summary: This study aimed to formulate and evaluate Lidocaine hydrochloride (LiH)-loaded dissolving microneedles (DMNs) with different polymer bases. Based on the in vitro permeation study, LiH-loaded DMNs with hyaluronic acid (10%) and poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (25%) were found to deposit in the skin with safe concentrations of the drug permeating into systemic circulation.+/-
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Cosimo Micheletti, Valentina Antonia Dini, Marco Carlotti, Francesco Fuso, Damiano Genovese, Nelsi Zaccheroni, Chiara Gualandi, Andrea Pucci
Summary: A straightforward method for preparing mechanochromic polymers involves incorporating a suitable content of a mechanophore in the polymeric matrix either by physical dispersion or via covalent functionalization. In this study, a thermoplastic elastomer was covalently functionalized with a chromogenic unit and showed a detectable and reversible mechanochromic response starting from 50% strain.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Frank Marco den Hoed, Andrea Ottomaniello, Omar Tricinci, Luca Ceseracciu, Marco Carlotti, Patrizio Raffa, Virgilio Mattoli
Summary: This study presents a novel technique for the realization of 3D micro-structures on complex surfaces with high conformability. The method involves two-photon polymerization of micro-structures on polymeric nano-membranes, which can be efficiently transferred to a target surface. Ultra-thin polymeric films are used as support to suspend and transfer the printed micro-structures. The technique offers flexibility in choice of structures, materials, transfer procedures, and substrate geometries.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Dentistry, Oral Surgery & Medicine
Sheetal Manchanda, Pei Liu, Gillian Hiu Man Lee, Edward Chin Man Lo, Cynthia Kar Yung Yiu
Summary: The aim of this study was to evaluate the risk indicators associated with noncavitated and cavitated lesions in preschool children. The study found that poor oral hygiene is a risk indicator for the presence of noncavitated lesions in preschool children, while poor oral hygiene and poor parental oral health knowledge and attitude are associated with the presence of cavitated lesions.
INTERNATIONAL DENTAL JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Nasim Shadmani, Pooyan Makvandi, Maliheh Parsa, Amir Azadi, Keivan Nedaei, Negin Mozafari, Narges Poursina, Virgilio Mattoli, Franklin R. Tay, Aziz Maleki, Mehrdad Hamidi
Summary: The blood-brain barrier is a protective barrier that prevents potential damages to the brain from chemicals in the bloodstream. This study showed that modifying mesoporous silica nanoparticles with TAT peptide improves the penetration of methotrexate into the brain. The results suggest that this nanosystem could be a promising drug carrier to overcome the blood-brain barrier and deliver methotrexate into the brain.
MOLECULAR PHARMACEUTICS
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Ottavia Racchi, Rebecca Baldassari, Esteban Araya-Hermosilla, Virgilio Mattoli, Pierpaolo Minei, Alfonso Pozio, Andrea Pucci
Summary: In this study, efficient anion-exchange membranes (AEMs) were prepared by functionalizing an aliphatic polyketone with 1-(3-aminopropyl)imidazole through the Paal-Knorr reaction. The derived membranes showed good thermal stability, mechanical properties, and comparable ionic conductivity to a commercially available AEM. Future efforts will focus on increasing the robustness of these membranes to meet the requirements for electrolytic cell applications.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Arianna Mazzotta, Virgilio Mattoli
Summary: Conformable electronics has been extensively studied for monitoring human physiological signals. This study explores the possibility of using conformable electronics as active devices to provide stimuli to the human body. A new approach using localized heat generation and deformation of a thin membrane is proposed to elicit tactile sensations on human skin. The device can be quickly fabricated using inkjet printing and transfer tattoo paper, and it demonstrates the potential for developing wearable tactile displays.
ADVANCED ELECTRONIC MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Delly Ramadon, Fathin Ulayya, Annisa Sakinah Qur'ani, Iskandarsyah Iskandarsyah, Yahdiana Harahap, Qonita Kurnia Anjani, Vania Aileen, Pietradewi Hartrianti, Ryan F. F. Donnelly
Summary: This study aimed to develop dissolving microneedles (DMN) containing ketoprofen-loaded nanosuspension (NS) and co-grinding (CG) formulations. The most promising formulations for transdermal delivery of ketoprofen were F5-MN-NS (PVA 5%-PVP 10%) and F11-MN-CG (PVA 7.5%-PVP 15%). These findings suggest that the combination of DMN with nanosuspension or a co-grinding system can effectively enhance the transdermal delivery of ketoprofen.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Alberto Picchi, Andrea Pucci, Marco Carlotti
Summary: Safe and visually appealing experiments using luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs) can help the public understand the role of chemistry and materials in the energy transition. This study demonstrates the fabrication of LSCs using common food materials, making it safe and rapid without affecting performance. The development of a simple characterization method using smartphones adds to the appeal of this approach for disseminating knowledge about fluorescence and real-world applications.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL EDUCATION
(2023)
Article
Dentistry, Oral Surgery & Medicine
Mohamed Mahmoud Abdalla, Mohammed Nadeem Bijle, Nermeen M. A. Abdallah, Cynthia Kar Yung Yiu
Summary: The addition of 4% CSR to a NaF varnish significantly enhanced its enamel remineralization and antimicrobial potential with no cytotoxic effect.
JOURNAL OF DENTISTRY
(2023)
Editorial Material
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Fabrizio Antonio Viola, Virgilio Mattoli
ADVANCED ELECTRONIC MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Health Care Sciences & Services
Hilton Hiu Chun Chiu, Phoebe Pui Ying Lam, Cynthia Kar Yung Yiu
Summary: This review aimed to investigate the effect of minimal intervention dentistry on anxiety, pain, and patient cooperation in pediatric patients. Microinvasive treatments (MITs) were compared to conventional treatments, non-invasive treatments (NITs), and other MITs. The results showed no significant differences in anxiety between MITs and conventional treatments or between different MITs, but NITs were found to evoke less anxiety and pain compared to MITs. The certainty of evidence was low due to the high risk of bias in the included studies. Further well-designed studies are needed to draw a conclusive evidence-based conclusion.