Hydrogel-Forming Microneedle Arrays Made from Light-Responsive\nMaterials for On-Demand Transdermal Drug Delivery

Abstract

We\ndescribe, for the first time, stimulus-responsive hydrogel-forming\nmicroneedle (MN) arrays that enable delivery of a clinically relevant\nmodel drug (ibuprofen) upon application of light. MN arrays were prepared\nusing a polymer prepared from 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) and\nethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) by micromolding. The obtained\nMN arrays showed good mechanical properties. The system was loaded\nwith up to 5% (w/w) ibuprofen included in a light-responsive 3,5-dimethoxybenzoin\nconjugate. Raman spectroscopy confirmed the presence of the conjugate\ninside the polymeric MN matrix. In vitro, this system was able to\ndeliver up to three doses of 50 mg of ibuprofen upon application of\nan optical trigger over a prolonged period of time (up to 160 h).\nThis makes the system appealing as a controlled release device for\nprolonged periods of time. We believe that this technology has potential\nfor use in “on-demand” delivery of a wide range of drugs\nin a variety of applications relevant to enhanced patient care.