Microneedle-Assisted Delivery of Curcumin: Evaluating the Effects of Needle Length and Formulation.

ABSTRACT: Dermal drug delivery presents a significant challenge for poorly soluble active compounds like curcumin, which often struggle to penetrate the skin barrier effectively. In this study, the dermal penetration efficacy of curcumin nanocrystals and bulk suspensions when applied to skin using microneedles of varying lengths-0.25 mm, 0.5 mm, and 1.0 mm-was investigated in an ex vivo porcine ear model. The findings revealed that all formulations, in conjunction with microneedle application, facilitated transepidermal penetration; however, the combination of microneedles and curcumin nanocrystals demonstrated the highest efficacy. Notably, the 1.0 mm microneedle length provided optimal penetration, significantly enhancing curcumin delivery compared with bulk suspensions alone. Additionally, even t

SUBMITTER: Chaiprateep EO 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11857367 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature