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Skin and Mucosal Delivery (Focus Group – SMD)

Understanding Depot Formation of Long-acting Microneedles in Skin-Mimicking In Vitro Models

Natalia Porfiryeva – Research Fellow, Queen's University Belfast; Lalitkumar Vora – Lecturer, Queen's University Belfast; Ryan Donnelly – Professor, Queen's University Belfast
Introduction:

Intradermal depots delivered via minimally invasive microneedle array patches (MAPs) offer versatile long-acting (LA) therapy enabling localized and systemic delivery (1). In vitro-in vivo correlation is vital for LA performance predication but challenged by burst release, testing conditions and complex release dynamics (2). USP IV apparatus only mimics subcutaneous interstitial fluid flow, emphasizing the need for reliable in vitro models for LA MAPs. Present research investigated the process of drug release from LA MAP depot using agar hydrogel-based diffusion models. 3D structure, high water content, tuneable porosity and texture may make hydrogels a good skin tissue mimicking model.

Learning Objectives:

  • Development of in vitro models to study LA MAPs drug depot formation using agar hydrogels mimicking skin tissue.
  • Understanding drug depot behaviour in hydrogel matrix to correlate with established mathematical models.
  • Supporting United Nations SDGs 3, 9 and 12 by advancing health, innovation and responsible production.