Optimization of LCD-Based 3D Printing for the Development of Clotrimazole-Coated Microneedle Systems

Materials, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 18(7), P. 1580 - 1580

Published: March 31, 2025

Fungal infections pose a significant global health problem, affecting 20–25% of the population and contributing to over 3.75 million deaths annually. Clotrimazole (CLO) is widely used topical antifungal drug, but its efficacy limited by poor penetration through stratum corneum. Microneedle (MN) systems, composed micron-scale structures arranged on patch, offer promising strategy overcome outermost skin barrier enhance drug into deeper layers. However, optimizing MN design, particularly in terms size, shape, fabrication technology, essential for efficient delivery. This study aimed develop CLO-coated systems using an Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)-based 3D printing technique thin-film dip-coating method. A comprehensive optimization parameters, including anti-aliasing, layer thickness, curing time, angle, was conducted ensure desired mechanical properties. The optimized MNs were coated with either suspension or ethanol-based CLO-hydrogels, ethanol hydrogel demonstrating superior characteristics. Additionally, investigated how microneedle geometry coating formulation influenced release. Antifungal activity against reference clinical origin Candida albicans strains varied significantly depending formulation. Finally, acute toxicity test confirmed no toxic effects Aliivibrio fischeri, indicating potential biocompatibility safety developed MN-based delivery system.

Language: Английский

Enhancing melanoma therapy with hydrogel microneedles

Frontiers in Oncology, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 15

Published: April 17, 2025

Melanoma is highly invasive and resistant to conventional treatments, accounting for nearly 75% of skin cancer-related deaths globally. Traditional therapies, such as chemotherapy immunotherapy, often exhibit limited efficacy are associated with significant side effects due systemic drug exposure. Microneedles (MNs), an emerging delivery system, offer multiple advantages, including safety, painlessness, minimal invasiveness, controlled release. Among these, hydrogel microneedles (HMNs) stand out their extracellular matrix-like structure swelling-induced continuous channels, which enable the direct therapeutic agents into tumor microenvironment (TME). This approach enhances bioavailability while reducing toxicity, establishing HMNs a promising platform melanoma treatment. review highlights recent advancements in therapy, focusing on applications biomarker extraction early diagnosis role supporting multimodal treatment strategies, chemotherapy, phototherapy, targeted combination therapy. Furthermore, current matrix materials fabrication techniques discussed. Finally, limitations critically analyzed, recommendations future research development provided.

Language: Английский