Acne vulgaris is a widespread skin disorder driven by several factors, including the proliferation of Propionibacterium acnes and persistent inflammation. Managing it remains challenging, as standard treatments—such as topical creams, oral medications, and laser procedures—often face issues like inadequate drug penetration, low patient compliance, and inconsistent outcomes.
Physicians frequently advise combining water-soluble (hydrophilic) and fat-soluble (hydrophobic) medications. Yet conventional formulations struggle to precisely deliver both types to the infection site, limiting their therapeutic impact.
Dissolved-Bubble Microneedles Surpass Traditional HA Patches
A team from Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School and collaborating institutions has introduced an innovative microneedle patch for acne care. Dissolved bubble microneedle patches (DBMNPs) can simultaneously deliver dipotassium glycyrrhizinate (DPG), PIONIN, and salicylic acid (SA).
Commercial dissolving microneedle patches (DMNPs), including products like CosMED MicroHyala and Shiseido NAVISION, are largely made from hyaluronic acid (HA). They are commonly used in cosmetic applications, such as wrinkle reduction and skin brightening. However, because HA is highly water-attracting, these patches struggle to effectively carry water-repelling ingredients, limiting their usefulness for certain therapies.
Hollow Microneedles for Precise Drug Delivery
The new microneedle patches feature microscopic hollow chambers that enable precise drug placement and staggered release. In animal experiments, the approach outperformed conventional creams in reducing inflammation and bacterial growth, suggesting improved potential for acne treatment.
The newly developed dissolved-bubble microneedle patches (DBMNPs) are composed of hyaluronic acid and incorporate microscopic hollow cavities within each needle. This structure spatially separates drugs: an anti-inflammatory in the core, an antibacterial in the walls, and a keratolytic in the base.
Verified Sequential Drug Release
Imaging studies verified that the medications remain compartmentalized, enabling sequential release after application. Mechanical testing demonstrated that the microneedles can penetrate roughly 350 micrometers into the skin without fracturing. Once inserted, they rapidly dissolve, leaving no residual sharp fragments.
Release experiments showed that the keratolytic agent is delivered quickly, the antibacterial drug is released gradually, and the anti-inflammatory compound is dispensed steadily over time.
This controlled release profile aligns with the therapeutic demands of acne care, supporting both the safety and effectiveness of the system.
Solving Multi-Drug Delivery in Acne
The researchers stated that the study tackles a longstanding obstacle in acne treatment: delivering multiple drugs with distinct physical and chemical properties to a single skin site. By incorporating bubble-like structures into dissolving microneedles, they established separate compartments for hydrophobic and hydrophilic agents while preserving mechanical integrity and biocompatibility.
They added that the sequential release matches acne progression, offering rapid relief and sustained antibacterial effects. The team noted that the platform could also be adapted for other inflammatory or infectious skin conditions.
In a mouse acne model, drug-loaded microneedle patches markedly decreased swelling, bacterial counts, and inflammatory markers, while enhancing anti-inflammatory effects. Tissue examinations revealed reduced immune cell accumulation and healthier skin compared with conventional creams or drug-free microneedles.
The dissolved-bubble microneedle system provides a safe and effective approach for acne treatment by delivering medication directly into the skin with minimal discomfort. The needles fully dissolve, leaving no sharp residues, and their low-cost, biocompatible materials make large-scale production feasible.
This strategy could extend beyond acne to treat other skin conditions requiring both hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs, including chronic infections and inflammatory disorders. By overcoming delivery and penetration challenges, it represents a new generation of advanced transdermal therapies.
Read the original article on: Tech Xplorist
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