title: Transdermal delivery of methotrexate for pediatrics using silicon microneedles.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The objective of this work was to study transdermal delivery of methotrexate using silicon microneedles and simulate plasma concentrations using a population pharmacokinetic model.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Characterization of silicon microneedles was carried out by scanning electron microscopy, transepidermal water loss, methylene blue staining, calcein imaging, pore permeability index and confocal microscopy, which confirmed the formation of microchannels. In vitro permeation studies were performed to study the enhancement in transdermal delivery following microporation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Simulation data demonstrated that with 16, 64, 128 and 192 microneedles, mean plasma concentrations of 0.3, 1.4, 2.8 and 4.2 ng/ml, respectively, can be achieved. Thus, therapeutically relevant doses could be delivered in pediatrics by increasing the number of microneedles and patch area.
authors: College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences, Mercer University, Atlanta, GA 30341, USA.
authors: Mehtab J
authors: MJ
authors: Abla
authors: Ayyappa
authors: A
authors: Chaturvedula
authors: Conor
authors: C
authors: O'Mahony
authors: Ajay K
authors: AK
authors: Banga
mesh_terms: D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000818:Animals; D000964:Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D002648:Child; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008727:Methotrexate / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D008845:Microinjections; D018613:Microscopy, Confocal; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D008954:Models, Biological; D009339:Needles; D051381:Rats; D054772:Rats, Hairless; D012825:Silicon / Q000737:chemistry; D012869:Skin Absorption; D013194:Staining and Labeling; D057968:Transdermal Patch; D014870:Water Loss, Insensible
chemical_list: D000964:Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic; D008727:Methotrexate; D012825:Silicon