Microneedles for Sublingual Drug Administration :A Novel Approach for the Systemic Delivery of Epinephrine /
Linked Agent
Qalaji, Mark (Mutasem) Rawas, Thesis advisor
Date Issued
2023
Language
English
Keyword
Thesis Type
Thesis
Abstract
Dissolving microneedles (MN) with enhanced physiochemical properties are triggering considerable interest as drug delivery device that can overcome drawbacks due to parenteral administration. The primary objective of this research project was to develop novel MN device for the systemic sublingual (SL) delivery of epinephrine that would overcome the challenges associated with the utilization of epinephrine intramuscular autoinjectors. A modified micro molding process was used to synthesize dissolvable MN of different heights (300 μm and 600 μm). The copolymer PVA/ PVP was used in a ratio of 16:20 w/w to fabricate placebo MN. Epinephrine bitartrate (Epi) was loaded into the MN by incorporating 5% and 25% w/v into the polymer mixture. The MN arrays were filled with the polymeric mixture by centrifugation and dried at 25 °C and 45% R.H. for 48 hr. These microneedles were characterized for their morphology, strength, drug content, dissolution, drug release and permeability. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was used to visualize and ensure their uniform formation, texture analyzer was used to confirm their mechanical strength and insertion properties. Epinephrine content in the fabricated MN was quantified by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). The time required for complete MN dissolution was visually measured and drug release from MN was evaluated using a modified Franz diffusion cells, while ex vivo drug permeability from MN was assessed through excised porcine SL membrane using Franz diffusion cells. Collected samples were analyzed for Epi content by HPLC. The fabricated MN were strong enough to resist compression and being able to pierce and penetrate the whole thickness of excised porcine SL membrane. Fabricated Epi MN resulted in 2.83 ± 0.26 mg and 13.89 ± 1.30 mg for 5% and 25% drug load for 300 μm MN, and 4.2 ± 0.08 mg and 17.26 ± 0.69 mg for 5% and 25% drug load for 600 μm MN. Complete MN dissolution was achieved within five min of contact
Note
A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master in Pharmaceutical Sciences Stream "Pharmaceutics" Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, 2022
Category
Theses
Library of Congress Classification
QV785 R256m 2022
Local Identifier
b15867821