Research project
Dissolving and hollow microneedles for intradermal delivery
The main of the focus of the research is to develop trans- and intradermal protein and vaccine delivery by using dissolving and hollow microneedles.
In transdermal drug delivery, the outermost skin layer, stratum corneum, is the most significant barrier for dermal penetration and the absorption of drugs. Microneedle technology allows nearly painless and efficient delivery proteins and vaccines through the stratum corneum either for local or systemic absorption. The length of microneedles is generally 200 – 800 µm making them long enough to penetrate through the stratum corneum (thickness 15 – 20 µm) but still short enough not to reach nerve endings, preventing the pain sensation caused by traditional needles.
Dissolving microneedles can be prepared from different polymers that dissolve rapidly in the skin after their application. Simultaneously, they release their payload into the epidermis. Another advantage of dissolving microneedles is the absence of sharp waste when used for vaccination. .
Hollow microneedles allow injections of just a few microliters of liquid formulations into the skin. These injections are made with an in-house developed applicator that allows for injections varying in depth in the skin.
In the project, microneedle systems will be prepared, followed by the evaluation of their penetration into the skin and the release of drugs in the skin. This project is funded by the COMPACT consortium of European Innovative Medicines Initiative (IMI) ( http://www.compact-research.org).