Researchers develop biodegradable microneedle particles to enhance drug delivery

Researchers have developed biodegradable particles with microscopic needles that painlessly puncture the skin to help it absorb drugs delivered through patches or creams. The work is described in Advanced Healthcare Materials. Building on prior work with star-shaped particles (termed STAR particles) made of ceramic or metal, investigators developed biodegradable versions to address environmental and safety concerns. When the investigators evaluated their technology for the delivery of 3 different drugs-tacrolimus, methotrexate, and copper tripeptide-1-in pig skin, they found that it increased intradermal drug delivery up to 37-fold. This work enhances our STAR particle technology for dermatological and cosmetic applications that we are advancing into clinical trials." Mark R. Prausnitz, PhD, corresponding author, Georgia Institute of Technology Source: Journal reference: Sadeqi, A., et al. (2026). Water‐Soluble, Enzyme‐Degradable, and Hydrolyzable STAR Particles for Enhanced Drug Delivery to Skin. Advanced Healthcare Materials. DOI: 10.1002/adhm.71569. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/adhm.71569