A direct emulsion-based PLGA microneedle fabrication strategy maintained peptide bioactivity, achieved high loading, and demonstrated sustained 72-hour transdermal release in vivo.
72-hour sustained releasePLGA microneedle patches delivered active peptide through the skin for 3 days after a single painless application
What the researchers found
Direct W/O emulsion-based PLGA microneedle fabrication maintained peptide bioactivity during manufacturing and storage, achieved high loading and uniform geometry, and demonstrated sustained 72-hour transdermal release in vivo.
Why it matters
Microneedle patches could replace injections for peptide drugs. Solving the fabrication stability problem removes a key barrier to commercialization.
How the study worked
Development of W/O emulsion-based peptide encapsulation in PLGA microneedles with characterization of geometry, drug loading, mechanical properties, peptide stability, and in vivo skin insertion and release studies.
What this study cannot tell us
Single peptide tested. In vivo bioavailability vs injection not compared. Manufacturing scale-up needs validation.
How to read the evidence
Proof-of-concept with in vitro characterization and in vivo release validation. Novel fabrication method.
When this study was published
Published in 2025.
The bigger picture
Microneedle patches for peptide drugs could transform drug delivery: painless, self-applicable, and sustained-release — the ideal patient experience.
Questions still open
- Could this fabrication method work for GLP-1 or insulin delivery?
- How does 72-hour release compare to daily oral or weekly injection regimens?
- Would patients prefer microneedle patches over auto-injectors?
Common questions
What are microneedle patches?
Why is this fabrication method special?
Read the original research
An Emulsion-Based Microneedle Formulation for Transdermal Delivery of Peptide Therapeutics.
ACS biomaterials science & engineering, 12(2), 986-995
Citation
Hasan, Reaid; Guo, Yuhan; Zhao, Zhen; Li, Yongren; Mamani, Umar-Farouk; Cheng, Kun. (2026). An Emulsion-Based Microneedle Formulation for Transdermal Delivery of Peptide Therapeutics.. ACS biomaterials science & engineering, 12(2), 986-995. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsbiomaterials.5c01566