Mikayla Rahman
BME PhD Proposal Presentation
Date: 2023-06-07
Time: 1:30 - 3:00 PM
Location / Meeting Link: Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Seminar Room, EBB; https://gatech.zoom.us/j/99030395174?pwd=QUtoVFVsbFlIQWhQd0I0eXg0eVRzQT09
Committee Members:
Mark R. Prausnitz, PhD (Advisor); Blair Brettmann, PhD; James Dahlman, PhD; Steven Schwendeman, PhD; Johnna Temenoff, PhD
Title: Microneedle Patch Fabrication via Melt Casting for Sustained Contraceptive Delivery
Abstract:
Abstract: In 2015-2019, there were ~121 million unintended pregnancies worldwide, representing 48% of all pregnancies. Despite a large variety of both hormonal and non-hormonal contraceptive methods currently available, unintended pregnancies still occur due to a lack of user compliance, effectiveness, and accessibility. Microneedle patches may provide an improved contraceptive option, as these patches contain micron-scale needles on the surface which can be used for sustained drug delivery while being painless, self-administrable, and minimally invasive. Once applied to the skin, the microneedles which are composed of a biodegradable polymer encapsulating the contraceptive, detach from the patch backing and release the payload continuously as the polymer slowly degrades. Previous studies have shown the effectiveness of microneedle patches releasing levonorgestrel (LNG), a commonly used contraceptive, at a sustained rate but little research has investigated extended delivery of contraceptive for six months, or a new microneedle patch fabrication technique which does not use organic solvents, may reduce manufacturing times and increases safety. To eliminate the time needed for solvent evaporation that is usually seen in the fabrication process, I propose exploring melt casting approaches which can provide multiple useful methods to effectively form microneedles. For my first aim, I will explore the thermostability of biodegradable polymers and develop multiple melt casting approaches for a biodegradable matrix microneedle patch for sustained contraceptive delivery. I will explore melt casting approaches and screen them experimentally for their capabilities to form sharp microneedles with the polymer and LNG confined to only the microneedles. Microneedle patches will also be characterized for their composition, delivery efficiency, and in vitro release profile. In the second aim, I will develop a biodegradable core-shell microneedle patch for sustained release of contraceptive for up to six months. Guided by my findings in aim one, I will explore the fabrication of a core-shell microneedle structure via melt casting which can provide extended release of contraceptive for at least six months via the shell membrane modulating delivery and preventing a burst release. The core-shell microneedle patches will also be characterized for their composition, delivery efficiency, and in vitro release profile. Finally, for my third aim, I will characterize the pharmacokinetics of my long-acting matrix and core-shell microneedle patches for their sustained delivery. Here I will evaluate my matrix and core-shell microneedle patches in vivo for their blood plasma levels to indicate the release profile and biodistribution of our patches. Overall, this research seeks to develop melt cast microneedle patch designs composed of biodegradable polymer, LNG, and a removable backing as a long-acting contraceptive method.
