Role of Polyvinylpyrrolidone in Dissolving Microneedle for Efficient Transdermal Drug Delivery: <i>In vitro</i> and Clinical Studies

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to find an optimum composition of microneedles that penetrate the skin and rapidly dissolve within the cutaneous layer in a few minutes. A micromolding method was introduced to prepare drug‐loaded dissolving microneedles by using biocompatible, water‐soluble polymers such as carboxymethylcellulose, hyaluronic acid, and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). The microneedles had a sharp structure with a needle tip of about 5 μm. The microneedles penetrated into the skin with 90% skin penetration rate, and they were dissolved within minutes to release the drug. An increase in the content of PVP in the microneedle increased the dissolution rate of the microneedles in the skin and the needle strength to penetrate the skin, and resulted in an increased skin permeation of the drug. The drug‐loaded microneedles were applied to the wrinkles shown around the eyes (crow's feet) of female subjects for 8 weeks, and we observed statistically significant disappearance of wrinkle after 4 weeks. The newly developed dissolving needles showed efficient drug delivery and can be considered a valuable, high‐functioning, potential wrinkle improving treatment.