pps proceeding - Abstract Preview
pps proceeding
Symposium: S06 - Biopolymers and Polymer from Renewable Resources
Poster Presentation
 
 

Transfer-molded polymer microneedle for localized and minimally invasive ocular drug delivery

Kim Jin Hyoung (1), Song Hyun Beom (2), Lee Kang Ju (3), Seo Il Ho (3), Lee Ji Yong (3), Ryu Won Hyoung (3), Kim Jeong Hun (4)*

(1) Seoul National University Hospital - Seoul - SouthKorea, (2) Seoul Natioanl University - Seoul - SouthKorea, (3) Yonsei University - Seoul - SouthKorea, (4) Seoul Natioanl University Hospital - Seoul - SouthKorea

It has been challenging for microneedles to deliver drugs effectively to thin tissues with little background support such as the cornea. Herein, we designed a microneedle pen system, a single microneedle with a spring-loaded microneedle applicator to provide impact insertion. To firmly attach solid microneedles with 140 ìm in height at the end of macro-scale applicators, a transfer molding process was employed. The fabricated microneedle pens were then applied to mouse corneas. The microneedle pens successfully delivered rhodamine dye deep enough to reach the stromal layer of the cornea with small entry only about 1000 ìm2. When compared with syringes or 30G needle tips, microneedle pens could achieve more localized and minimally invasive delivery without any chances of perforation. To investigate the efficacy of microneedle pens as a way of drug delivery, sunitinib malate proven to inhibit in vitro angiogenesis, was delivered to suture-induced angiogenesis model. When compared with delivery by a 30G needle tip dipped with sunitinib malate, only delivery by microneedle pens could effectively inhibit corneal neovascularization in vivo. Microneedle pens could effectively deliver drugs to thin tissues without impairing merits of using microneedles: localized and minimally invasive delivery.