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)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Sakshi Priya, Yashika Tomar, Vaibhavi Meghraj Desai, Gautam Singhvi
Summary: For decades, scientists have been focusing on finding effective long-term or disease-modifying treatments for skin disorders. Conventional drug delivery systems have shown poor efficacy and associated side effects, leading to challenges in patient adherence. Dissolving microneedles have gained attention for their advantages in breaching skin barriers with minimal discomfort and easy application, making them a potential novel drug delivery strategy for the long-term treatment of skin disorders.
EXPERT OPINION ON DRUG DELIVERY
(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)
Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Mayuri Dalvi, Pratik Kharat, Pradip Thakor, Valamla Bhavana, Shashi Bala Singh, Neelesh Kumar Mehra
Summary: The article discusses the application of microfabrication technology in enhancing the permeability of drugs for transdermal delivery, with a focus on the composition, fabrication techniques, and applications of microneedles. Microneedles can be classified into different types and are primarily used for delivering low molecular weight drugs, peptides, enzymes, vaccines, and bio-therapeutics.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Tomas Bauleth-Ramos, Nesma El-Sayed, Flavia Fontana, Maria Lobita, Mohammad-Ali Shahbazi, Helder A. Santos
Summary: Dissolving microneedles (dMNs) are water-soluble polymer drug delivery systems that have become popular for transdermal drug delivery. They offer advantages such as fast dissolution, short application time, and no biohazard risk, making them suitable for various biomedical and pharmaceutical applications. The formulation of successful dMNs requires careful consideration of patch design, needles geometry, polymer composition, method of formation, and payloads, as these factors directly affect the mechanical properties and efficacy of the microneedles. This review serves as a guide for dMN formulation, discussing the challenges at each step and strategies to optimize their administration and drug release.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Na Zhang, Xinxin Zhou, Libo Liu, Lini Zhao, Hui Xie, Zhihang Yang
Summary: This study developed insulin-loaded dissolving microneedles that can efficiently deliver insulin to the skin to treat diabetes. The fabrication process of microneedles is uniform, controllable, and has the potential for mass production and practical application in the future.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
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
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Miao Yu, Zhe Lu, Yan Shi, Yutang Du, Xiguang Chen, Ming Kong
Summary: Hyaluronic acid swelling microneedles (HA SMNs) show enhanced mechanical strength and swelling performance, allowing transdermal drug delivery through the diffusing path mediated by swollen needles to overcome the limitations of poor drug condensation in hyaluronic acid dissolving microneedles (HA DMNs), resulting in higher relative bioavailability.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2021)
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
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Xiumei Jiang, Pu Chen, Wenxin Niu, Renhua Fang, Hang Chen, Yue An, Weiqing Wang, Changzhao Jiang, Jincui Ye
Summary: This study evaluated the efficacy of Tofacitinib citrate microneedles in arthritis treatment, assessed the dose-effect relationship, and determined the cumulative penetration during percutaneous injection. The results showed that Tofacitinib microneedles effectively inhibited joint swelling in rats, demonstrating potential for Rheumatoid arthritis treatment.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Lijing Zhang, Ranran Guo, Siqi Wang, Xiaotong Yang, Guixia Ling, Peng Zhang
Summary: Transdermal preparations, especially dissolving microneedles, have gained significant attention in recent years due to their painless, safe, efficient delivery and easy operation. This article reviews the preparation methods, matrix polymer materials, performance testing, and applications of dissolving microneedles, aiming to provide a solid knowledge foundation for further research in this field.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Keegan Braz Gomes, Bernadette D'Souza, Sharon Vijayanand, Ipshita Menon, Martin J. D'Souza
Summary: Effective vaccines delivered via painless methods would revolutionize vaccination. This study developed fast-dissolving microneedles to deliver antigen-loaded polymeric nanoparticles, achieving a dual-delivery platform for transdermal vaccination. The study demonstrated the feasibility of this approach and its potential for transdermal vaccine administration.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Mingyu Jang, Bo Mi Kang, Huisuk Yang, Jungyoon Ohn, Ohsang Kwon, Hyungil Jung
Summary: Dissolving microneedles (DMN) with therapeutic molecules have been developed to enhance transdermal drug delivery efficiency, particularly for treating skin inflammatory diseases like atopic dermatitis (AD). High-dose TA-DMN is presented as a potential candidate for the treatment of skin inflammatory diseases.
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE MATERIALS
(2021)
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
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Chi Huang, Kaijun Gou, Xuan Yue, Shiyi Zhao, Rui Zeng, Yan Qu, Chen Zhang
Summary: This study developed a novel liposome-in-microneedles (MNs) based transdermal drug delivery system for the treatment of psoriasis. The system provides efficient drug delivery and stable drug release, improving the clinical symptoms of psoriasis. The efficacy of the system was demonstrated through in vivo experiments in mice, showing significant reduction in inflammatory response and severity of psoriatic lesions.
MATERIALS & DESIGN
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Y. Tian, J. Lee, K. van der Maaden, Y. Bhide, J. J. de Vries-Idema, R. Akkerman, C. O'Mahony, W. Jiskoot, H. W. Frijlink, A. L. W. Huckriede, W. L. J. Hinrichs, J. A. Bouwstra, M. Beukema
Summary: This study demonstrates the potential of trehalose/pullulan-based dissolving-microneedle-arrays (dMNAs) as an alternative dosage form for influenza vaccination. The produced dMNAs have sufficient mechanical strength and stability to penetrate ex vivo human skin and dissolve within a short period of time to release antigens. Immunization of mice with influenza antigens via freshly prepared or stored dMNAs resulted in antibody titers comparable to intramuscularly injected mice, providing partial protection against influenza virus infection.
JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Lyndsey E. Moore, Sonja Vucen, Anne C. Moore
Summary: This review discusses the recent advances in microneedle patches technology for drug delivery and sampling, with a focus on materials and fabrication methods of dissolvable microneedles. Through extensive literature review, it summarizes the application of dissolvable microneedles in drugs and vaccines, as well as the diversity in production methods.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS AND BIOPHARMACEUTICS
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Raghu V. G. Peddapatla, Conor Slevin, Gerard Sheridan, Caoimhe Beirne, Shrikant Swaminathan, Ivan Browning, Clare O'Reilly, Zelalem A. Worku, David Egan, Stephen Sheehan, Abina M. Crean
Summary: The aim of this study was to develop statistical process models to predict tablet properties from compaction parameters, and compare and predict between different deformation characteristics and tablet press models.
Article
Immunology
Sarah Marshall, Anne C. Moore, Aoife Fleming, Laura J. Sahm
Summary: The aim of this study was to design, develop, and evaluate a theory- and evidence-based intervention to improve HPV and HPV vaccine knowledge and intention to vaccinate among parent-daughter dyads. An online behavioral intervention was developed and found to be effective in improving knowledge and intention to vaccinate. Participants found the intervention interesting and useful.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Sven Stegemann, Liz Sheehan, Alessandra Rossi, Andrew Barrett, Amrit Paudel, Abina Crean, Fabrice Ruiz, Massimo Bresciani, Fang Liu, Zakia Shariff, Margarete Shine, Christel Schmelzer, Anne-Marie Pense-Lheritier
Summary: Patient-centric drug product design is crucial in the pharmaceutical development process, and it is important to integrate patient needs and perspectives from the beginning and weigh product development decision options accordingly.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS AND BIOPHARMACEUTICS
(2022)
Review
Engineering, Biomedical
Gustavo Coelho Rezende, Brendan O'Flynn, Conor O'Mahony
Summary: Venous leg ulcers are commonly treated by applying compression to the lower limb, but traditional compression therapies have issues. The development of smart compression therapy devices using microtechnologies and new materials has the potential to improve patient comfort and treatment outcomes.
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Krishnakumar Chullipalliyalil, Khaled Elkassas, Michael A. P. McAuliffe, Sonja Vucen, Abina Crean
Summary: Conventional quality control techniques for assessing biopharmaceutical denaturation are destructive and require sample removal. In this study, a lab-based setup was used to analyze the heat- and surfactant-induced denaturation of bovine serum albumin (BSA) stored in-vial by measuring its intrinsic fluorescence. This in-vial fluorescence measurement proved to be a reliable method for monitoring protein denaturation, offering a potential cost-effective solution for assessing biopharmaceutical product stability.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Conor O'Mahony, Ryan Sebastian, Fjodors Tjulkins, Derek Whelan, Andrea Bocchino, Yuan Hu, Joe O'Brien, Jim Scully, Margaret Hegarty, Alan Blake, Ines Slimi, A. James P. Clover, Alexander Lyness, Anne-Marie Kelleher
Summary: This paper describes a method for fabricating arrays of hollow silicon microneedles using only two bulk silicon etches. The microneedle arrays show biomechanical reliability and have the potential to be used for transdermal delivery and diagnostics.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Brian M. Kerins, Marcus O'Mahony, Abina M. Crean
Summary: Accurate and reliable continuous feeding is crucial for the continuous manufacturing of solid-dose pharmaceuticals. This study investigates the feeding behavior of cohesive pharmaceutical silica using a twin-screw loss-in-weight feeder. The study examines the impact of screw pitch, screen type, and gravimetric setpoint on the feed factor and feed rate variability.
Review
Immunology
Ines Co-Rives, Ann Ying-An Chen, Anne C. Moore
Summary: The advantages of skin-based vaccination include strong immunity, dose-sparing, and easy administration. Although it is more conventionally used in veterinary medicine, skin-based vaccination of pigs is highly relevant due to their similarities to humans and the zoonotic diseases they carry. However, there is a lack of consistent terminology and research on the underlying mechanisms and breadth of responses. Further research is needed to develop enhanced skin vaccine strategies for pigs, other animals, and humans.
Article
Immunology
Kyle Malone, Jennifer A. Shearer, Christian Waeber, Anne C. Moore
Summary: Fingolimod improves neurobehavioral recovery in stroke models and increases the frequency of Treg cells. However, it also increases the resistance of CD4(+) effector cells to Treg suppression. This complexity may explain the inconsistent improvement in functional recovery observed in experimental brain ischemia.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Fatima Garcia-Villen, Idoia Gallego, Myriam Sainz-Ramos, Jorge Ordoyo-Pascual, Sandra Ruiz-Alonso, Laura Saenz-del-Burgo, Conor O'Mahony, Jose Luis Pedraz
Summary: Drug adherence is a significant issue in medical treatment of chronic diseases like rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis. Treated with monoclonal antibodies, the use of auto-injectors as delivery devices improves drug adherence due to their user-friendliness. This study investigated the feasibility of including monoclonal antibodies in auto-injector pens and evaluated the drug stability after concentration and freeze-drying, finding that mannitol improved stability but further investigation is required for a domain instability. These results contribute to advancing drug delivery systems for better patient experience and drug adherence.
Article
Primary Health Care
Ayat Elgammal, Joseph Ryan, Colin Bradley, Abina Crean, Margaret Bermingham
Summary: This study aimed to explore the experiences of GPs and pharmacists concerning the palatability of oral liquid antibiotics for children. The results showed that clinical guidelines and availability of supply were the most important factors considered when choosing an oral liquid antibiotic formulation for children. Palatability issues were identified and it was suggested that pharmaceutical approaches should be developed to improve palatability and paediatric acceptability.
Article
Immunology
Kyle Malone, Jennifer A. Shearer, John M. Williams, Anne C. Moore, Tom Moore, Christian Waeber
Summary: The administration of rPSG1-Fc improved functional recovery in post-ischaemic mice without impacting infarct size. Improved outcome was associated with a modulation of the cytokine-secreting phenotype of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells towards a more regulatory phenotype, as well as reduced activation of microglia. This establishes proof-of-concept of rPSG1-Fc as a potential stroke immunotherapy.
BRAIN, BEHAVIOR, & IMMUNITY - HEALTH
(2022)