Introduction: Microneedle (MN) arrays consist of dozens to hundreds of micrometer-sized needles, providing a painless option for enhancing skin permeability and increasing drug delivery through the skin. Unlike oral medications or subcutaneous injections, they can prevent the reduction in efficacy of oral drugs due to liver metabolism and also reduce the risk of infection associated with subcutaneous injections. The methods for producing MN patches can be divided into two types: template-free methods and micromolding methods. The aim of this research is to fabricate MN patches using a micromolding technique based on a hydrogel composed of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and hyaluronic acid (HA).
Methods: Initially, the microneedle mold was designed using SolidWorks and then fabricated using a 3D printer. PDMS (polydimethylsiloxane) was prepared by mixing the elastomer and curing agent in a 1:10 ratio and poured onto the printed master mold, with the molds then cured at 90 degrees Celsius for 2 hours. The PDMS mold was then separated from the master mold, and to prepare the PVA-HA microneedle patch, PVA and HA were dissolved in deionized water and poured onto the PDMS mold. This mixture was then centrifuged at 4000 rpm for 20 minutes, and the backing layer of the MNs was filled with pure PVA solution. The patch was then dried at room temperature for 12 hours and carefully removed from the PDMS mold.
Results: Permeability testing was conducted to confirm the penetration capability of a needle with suitable physical properties in a gelatin sheet with an elastic modulus similar to that of real human skin, and its permeability was validated.
Conclusion: The development of microneedle (MN) patches using a micromolding technique with a hydrogel composed of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and hyaluronic acid (HA) presents a promising advancement in transdermal drug delivery systems. This innovative approach not only enhances skin permeability but also offers a painless alternative to traditional drug administration methods, effectively circumventing issues related to liver metabolism and the risk of infection associated with injections. Permeability tests confirm that the MNs possess suitable physical properties for effective drug delivery, indicating that this method could significantly improve therapeutic outcomes. Future research could further optimize the formulation and explore a wider range of applications, paving the way for more effective and patient-friendly drug delivery solutions.