Dissolving Microneedle Array Patches Containing Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles of Different Pore Sizes as a Tunable Sustained Release Platform

This study explores the use of dissolving microneedle array patches (DMAPs) containing mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) with varying pore sizes as a tunable sustained release platform for drug delivery. The research demonstrates that the pore size of MSNs, ranging from 3 to 13 nm, affects the loading and release of molecules, with smaller pores facilitating greater cellular uptake and larger pores enhancing cell activation. The DMAPs were successfully tested in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo, showing complete microneedle dissolution within 2 hours and effective delivery of nanoparticles into skin cells. The study also found that DMAPs loaded with ovalbumin (OVA) induced a strong immune response in mice, comparable to subcutaneous administration, suggesting their potential for vaccination and immunotherapy.