Current aspects of formulation efforts and pore lifetime related to microneedle treatment of skin.
BACKGROUND
The efficacy of microneedles in the area of transdermal drug delivery is well documented. Multiple studies have shown that enhancement of skin permeation by means of the creation of microscopic pores in the stratum corneum can greatly improve the delivery rates of drugs. However, skin pretreatment with microneedles is not the only factor affecting drug transport rates. Other factors, including drug formulation and rate of micropore closure, are also important for optimizing delivery by this route.


METHODS
This review aims to highlight work that has been done in these areas, with an emphasis on drug formulation parameters that affect transdermal flux.


RESULTS
This review creates an appreciation for the many factors affecting microneedle-enhanced delivery. Most results clearly indicate that microneedle skin pretreatment by itself may have different effects on drug transport depending on the formulation used, and formulation characteristics have different effects on the transport through untreated skin and microneedle-treated skin. Several formulation approaches are reported to optimize microneedle-enhanced drug delivery, including co-solvent use, vesicular, nanoparticulate and gel systems.


CONCLUSIONS
In addition to well-established factors that affect microneedle-assisted delivery (geometry, type of microneedle, etc.), formulation and pore viability are also critical factors that must be considered.
Milewski
Mikolaj
M
University of Kentucky, College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 459 Wethington Bldg, Lexington, KY 40536-0082, USA.
Brogden
Nicole K
NK
Stinchcomb
Audra L
AL
D000818:Animals; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008845:Microinjections / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D009339:Needles; D012867:Skin; D012869:Skin Absorption