The preparation of the dissolving microneedle array of macromolecular drugs through percutaneous release

Objective: To construct the preparation method of the dissolving microneedle array(DMNA), and provide the basis for percutaneous release of macromolecular drugs. Methods: The metal master mold of DMNA was manufactured using computer-assisted micro-machining technique. The female mold was made from polydimethylsiloxane(PDMS), and charactered by scanning electron microscope(SEM). The preparation process of DMNA was optimized using carbopol as microneedle material. The mechanical properties of the optimized DMNAs were evaluated by using the rat skin in vitro. Results: The microneedle metal master mold was nicety. The SEM image of female mold showed that it was accurate, and consistent with the design. The DMNAs fabricated by optimized method had the same shape as mold, the microneedles can penetrate into the rat skin, and dissolve quickly. Conclusions: The new preparation method of the DMNA can provide the basis for percutaneous release of macromolecular drugs.