State of the Art in Constructing Gas-Propelled Dissolving Microneedles for Significantly Enhanced Drug-Loading and Delivery Efficiency

The study investigates the development of gas-propelled dissolving microneedles (MNs) to enhance drug-loading and transdermal delivery efficiency. It identifies 3D printing as optimal for creating precise male molds, while softer silica gel is better for female molds. Vacuum micromolding is superior to centrifugation, resulting in better MN morphology. Key materials include polyvinylpyrrolidone K30, polyvinyl alcohol, and a specific ratio of potassium carbonate to citric acid. The gas-propelled MNs show a 35% increase in drug loading and nearly 100% cumulative permeability at 36 hours, with improved biocompatibility and minimal cytotoxicity. The study highlights the potential of these MNs for clinical applications, though challenges remain in preventing chemical reactions during preparation and storage.