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Mechanical Characterization of Dissolving Microneedles: Factors Affecting Physical Strength of Needles

Authors :
Daisuke Ando
Megumi Miyatsuji
Hideyuki Sakoda
Eiichi Yamamoto
Tamaki Miyazaki
Tatsuo Koide
Yoji Sato
Ken-ichi Izutsu
Source :
Pharmaceutics, Vol 16, Iss 2, p 200 (2024)
Publication Year :
2024
Publisher :
MDPI AG, 2024.

Abstract

Dissolving microneedles (MNs) are novel transdermal drug delivery systems that can be painlessly self-administered. This study investigated the effects of experimental conditions on the mechanical characterization of dissolving MNs for quality evaluation. Micromolding was used to fabricate polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-based dissolving MN patches with eight different cone-shaped geometries. Axial force mechanical characterization test conditions, in terms of compression speed and the number of compression needles per test, significantly affected the needle fracture force of dissolving MNs. Characterization using selected test conditions clearly showed differences in the needle fracture force of dissolving MNs prepared under various conditions. PVA-based MNs were divided into two groups that showed buckling and unbuckling deformation, which occurred at aspect ratios (needle height/base diameter) of 2.8 and 1.8, respectively. The needle fracture force of PVA-based MNs was negatively correlated with an increase in the needle’s aspect ratio. Higher residual water or higher loading of lidocaine hydrochloride significantly decreased the needle fracture force. Therefore, setting appropriate methods and parameters for characterizing the mechanical properties of dissolving MNs should contribute to the development and supply of appropriate products.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
16020200 and 19994923
Volume :
16
Issue :
2
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
Pharmaceutics
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.ff9c2ea2ed1c4514bf9152f9196518f0
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics16020200