Fabrication of polymeric microneedle arrays containing Amphotericin-B for transdermal drug delivery

Drug delivery through the microneedle array has been considered as an easy and non-invasive method in recent years. The purpose of this study was to design and construct an array of biodegradable polymeric microneedles containing Amphotericin-B to introduce this system and its use in the treatment of cutaneous lesions caused by Leishmania major parasite inoculation as a model in skin infections.

In this study, microneedles were fabricated by three-step molding method, which included master mold making, polymeric matrix that blending of polyvinyl pyrrolidine and methacrylic acid and finally casting.

The identification of Amphotericin-B in polymeric microscopic compositions was investigated by absorption and emission spectroscopy. Also, the mechanical strength of microneedles, which confirms their ability to penetrate the skin, was investigated by a transducer.

In this study, the design and fabrication of a skin-permeable polymeric microneedle array with biodegradability and biocompatibility characteristics in physiological environment was performed. Using the properties of designed needles, loading of Amphotericin-B was used for the treatment of leishmaniasis and skin fungal infections.