In most cases, microneedle patches are shaped like a small, flat square of material with
When the device is pressed against the patient's body,microneedles penetrate into the outer layer of the skin, without reaching the nerve endings. They then dissolve, releasing the drug into the intercellular fluid between the skin cells. From there, it enters the bloodstream.
Each microneedle is only 0.2 mm wide at the base. Photo: Jill Zismer
Scientists at Sweden's Karolinska Institute have taken the same basic technology and applied it to the topical treatment of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) skin infections.methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus).
Usually such potentially fatal infectionsare treated by injecting the antibiotic vancomycin into the patient's bloodstream. The drug is not applied topically, as it does not penetrate well through the skin. In addition, it is not administered orally as it is poorly absorbed through the intestines. Unfortunately, the injections cause the drug to spread throughout the body, causing unwanted side effects.
In laboratory tests carried out onIn piglet and human skin samples, the microneedle patch has been shown to be effective in delivering vancomycin to the skin. This ultimately led to a significant reduction in MRSA bacteria. Trials in live animals are now planned, possibly followed by clinical trials in humans.
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