Micromolding of Amphotericin-B-Loaded Methoxyethylene–Maleic Anhydride Copolymer Microneedles

Abstract

Biocompatible and biodegradable materials have been used for fabricating polymeric microneedles to deliver therapeutic drug molecules through the skin. Microneedles have advantages over other drug delivery methods, such as low manufacturing cost, controlled drug release, and the reduction or absence of pain. The study examined the delivery of amphotericin B, an antifungal agent, using microneedles that were fabricated using a micromolding technique. The microneedle matrix was made from GantrezTM AN-119 BF, a benzene-free methyl vinyl ether/maleic anhydride copolymer. The GantrezTM AN-119 BF was mixed with water; after water evaporation, the polymer exhibited sufficient strength for microneedle fabrication. Molds cured at room temperature remained sharp and straight. SEM images showed straight and sharp needle tips; a confocal microscope was used to determine the height and tip diameter for the microneedles. Nanoindentation was used to obtain the hardness and Young’s modulus values of the polymer. Load–displacement testing was used to assess the failure force of the needles under compressive loading. These two mechanical tests confirmed the mechanical properties of the needles. In vitro studies validated the presence of amphotericin B in the needles and the antifungal properties of the needles. Amphotericin B GantrezTM microneedles fabricated in this study showed appropriate characteristics for clinical translation in terms of mechanical properties, sharpness, and antifungal properties.

Hyaluronic Acid-Based CuS Nanoenzyme Biodegradable Microneedles for Treating Deep Cutaneous Fungal Infection without Drug Resistance

“…More importantly, CuS/PAF-26 MN without traditional antifungal drugs (such as chemical antibiotics or azole) still achieved excellent therapeutic effect against DCFI and did not develop resistance, compared with the previously reported microneedle strategies. 38,39 Our study provides good guidance for the treatment of C. albicans infection, which is of great significance where the mortality rate is maintained at about 40%. 40 A biodegradable CuS/PAF-26 MN with good biocompatibility and biosafety was constructed, which can simultaneously deliver CuS NE and PAF-26 to treat DCFI without drug resistance.…”

Microneedle‐Integrated Device for Transdermal Sampling and Analyses of Targeted Biomarkers

“…Through Oliver-Pharr analysis of the unloading curves, the hardness and Young's modulus values were obtained. [3,66] Fabrication of Carbon Fiber Working Electrodes: Prior to modification, the pristine CFs were activated as follows. The CFs (0.05 g) were immersed in HCl (1 N) solution and sonicated for 20 min.…”

“…Through Oliver–Pharr analysis of the unloading curves, the hardness and Young's modulus values were obtained. [ 3,66 ]…”

“…These devices can generate micrometer-scale pathways in the stratum corneum, the topmost layer of the epidermis, for body fluid extraction. [1,[3][4][5] Numerous studies reported on the design of MN patches for transdermal drug delivery and biosensing. For example, Chua et al described the skin penetration and ISF collection parameters that were associated with various shapes of MN arrays.…”

“…These devices can generate micrometer‐scale pathways in the stratum corneum, the topmost layer of the epidermis, for body fluid extraction. [ 1,3–5 ]…”