A systematic review of carbohydrate-based microneedles: current status and future prospects

Abstract

Microneedles (MNs) are minimally invasive tridimensional biomedical devices that bypass the skin barrier resulting in systemic and localized pharmacological effects. Historically, biomaterials such as carbohydrates, due to their physicochemical properties, have been used widely to fabricate MNs. Owing to their broad spectrum of functional groups, carbohydrates permit designing and engineering with tunable properties and functionalities. This has led the carbohydrate-based microarrays possessing the great potential to take a futuristic step in detecting, drug delivery, and retorting to biologicals. In this review, the crucial and extensive summary of carbohydrates such as hyaluronic acid, chitin, chitosan, chondroitin sulfate, cellulose, and starch has been discussed systematically, using PRISMA guidelines. It also discusses different approaches for drug delivery and the mechanical properties of biomaterial-based MNs, till date, progress has been achieved in clinical translation of carbohydrate-based MNs, and regulatory requirements for their commercialization. In conclusion, it describes a brief perspective on the future prospects of carbohydrate-based MNs referred to as the new class of topical drug delivery systems.

Topical Delivery of ROS-Responsive Methotrexate Prodrug Nanoassemblies by a Dissolvable Microneedle Patch for Psoriasis Therapy

“…The molecular weight of HA has a direct impact on the viscoelasticity and stiffness of microneedle arrays. 23 , 32 To bear enough mechanical strength for overcoming the physical skin barrier in psoriatic lesions, we fabricated nanoassemblies loaded microneedles with different ratios of HA molecular weight to facilitate the microneedle arrays for penetrating the skin, getting dissolved and releasing of the nano-cargoes ( Figure 5F and G ). Meanwhile, microneedle length determines the drug loading, strength, depth of penetration, cell targeting and release rates of dissolvable microneedle arrays.…”

“… 22 Apart from that, fabrication of dissolving microneedles with biocompatible carbohydrates like hyaluronic acid (HA) or cellulose warrants the invasion ability of microneedles and persistence of therapeutic agents, which address the concerns for direct loading of nanoparticles into dissolving microneedles. 23 To topically arrest keratinocyte hyperproliferation in psoriasis, it is still desired to develop specific-targeting delivery system for druggable targets, especially avoiding phagocytic clearance in skin with greater reactive oxygen levels and lower pH value. 24 …”

Thermostability and in vivo performance of AAV9 in a film matrix

“…This specific polymer was selected for use in the previous formulation developed for recombinant adenovirus for its superior filmforming and mucoadhesive properties to improve the potency of vaccines given by oral and nasal routes, for which the platform was specifically designed [24][25][26] . Hydrogels and microneedles prepared from this polymer have been administered by the subcutaneous and intramuscular routes for sustained release of biologic and small molecule drugs over time [50][51][52] . While the polymer has been safely administered by the intravenous route, administration of repeat doses for some gene therapy applications has motivated a further refinement of the film matrix 53 .…”

Microneedle-Based Natural Polysaccharide for Drug Delivery Systems (DDS): Progress and Challenges

“…Similarly, present studies have extended the research on different MNs types to include the components of critical therapeutic substances through the skin [24]. Therefore, advancing the review on several of these substances, including polysaccharides biomaterials, a more recent study has utilized the PRISMA guidelines to review the same for medical applications [25,26]. This shows that the goal of achieving clinical translation from the bench is in progress.…”