Fabrication and Evaluation of Transdermal Microneedles for a Recombinant Human Keratinocyte Growth Factor

Abstract

Objectives: Microneedles transdermal patches is the combination between hypodermic needles and transdermal patches to overcome the individual limitations of both injections and patches. The objective of this study was to design a minimally invasive biodegradable polymeric recombinant human keratinocyte growth factor (rHuKGF) microneedles array and evaluate the prepared biodegradable microneedles using in-vitro techniques. Materials and Method: Biodegradable polymeric microneedles arrays were fabricated out of poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) using micromoulding technique under aseptic conditions and the morphology of the microneedles were characterized using light microscope. Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate-Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) was used to rule out drug polymer interaction. Standard procedures were used to analyze the prepared microneedles arrays for invitro drug release and microneedles insertion test. Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) was used to quantify rHuKGF. Results. PLGA polymer was safe to be used for fabrication of rHuKGF microneedles as there was no interaction between drug and polymer. The fabricated rHuKGF microneedles arrays had fully formed microneedles with the height of 600 µm and base of 300 µm. The drug from the microneedles patch was released in-vitro within 30 minutes. The strength of microneedles in the patch was good as it was able to reach the depth of 381 ± 3.56 µm into parafilm without any structural change or fracture. Conclusion: Microneedles transdermal patches were successfully prepared for rHuKGF and their evaluation suggested excellent quality and uniformity in patch characteristics. This can have potential applications in therapeutic arena offering advantages in terms of reduced dosing frequency, improved patients' compliance and bioavailability.

Artificial engineering of the protein corona at bio-nano interfaces for improved cancer-targeted nanotherapy

“…Therefore, the authors ascribed the higher amount of proteins to the higher surface area of larger AuNSs. Furthermore, Chellathurai et al [34] reported a direct correlation between NP size and protein adsorption, as they determined that the small NP size and the hydrophilic surfaces inhibit the formation of a large amount of protein adsorption.…”

Mechanistic modeling-guided optimization of microneedle-based skin patch for rapid transdermal delivery of naloxone for opioid overdose treatment

“…Due to vortexing/stirring to ensure uniform drug distribution and dissolution, despite sonication of drug in PVP solution, significant bubble generation is typical, and it is important to ensure complete degassing by vacuuming during fabrication as bubbles could affect needle integrity, form, and drug loading [33]. It could also influence drug release properties [31].…”

“…They are expected to shorten drug delivery time and hence onset of action. Moreover, safety issues including needle breakage in skin and the need for the disposal of needles post usage into the environment which are typical of solid type MNs are evaded [33][34][35]. Their typical less complex fabrication requirements are expected to be more adaptable to the large-scale use of NAL and the clinical and commercial success of rapidly dissolving NAL MNs are thus foreseen.…”

A Review: The Antiviral Activity of Cyclic Peptides

“…Although polypeptides are used to treat various ailments and diseases, major drawbacks are their in vitro and in vivo stability. Currently, researchers overcome this problem by developing various novel drug delivery systems (Kumar et al 2018;Kumar et al 2019;Chellathurai et al 2021;Tee et al 2021). One of the smartest approaches that is predicted is converting these polypeptides into cyclic peptides, but their pharmacological properties and stability need to be proven once again after conversion.…”