Optical and Mechanical Characterization of Lignocaine-Impregnated Maltose-Based Dissolvable Microneedles
Year: 2026
Type: conference-paper
Abstract: Dissolvable microneedles (DMNs) represent an innovative approach to patient-friendly drug delivery, eliminating the need for conventional hypodermic injections. This study reports on the fabrication, Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy (CLSM)-based optical visualization of drug distribution, and mechanical characterization of maltose-based DMNs impregnated with lignocaine, a local anesthetic. Microneedles were fabricated using a micro-molding technique and dried for nine hours. Structural integrity was evaluated using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM); drug distribution was examined via CLSM; and mechanical strength was assessed using nanoindentation. The FESEM results showed uniform microneedle formation with sharp tips and smooth surfaces, averaging 435 µm in height and 116 µm in width, with no significant dimensional variability (p > 0.5). CLSM analysis indicated even distribution of lignocaine throughout the matrix. Mechanical testing showed that each microneedle withstood 0.6 N, surpassing the 0.1 N threshold required for skin insertion. These results support the viability of maltose-based DMNs for local anesthetic delivery, with implications for outpatient, pediatric, and self-administered care settings. Future investigations will include Franz diffusion and in vitro dissolution studies to examine release kinetics.
Authors: Arifah Syahirah Rahman, Fook-Choe Cheah, Mohd Eusoff Azizol Nashriby, Mae-Lynn Catherine Bastion, Chang Fu Dee, Muhamad Ramdzan Buyong, Mohd Ambri Mohamed, Xin Yun Chua, Poh Choon Ooi, Muhammad Irfan Abdul Jalal, Chenshen Lam, Yin Yen Mun, Chee Seong Goh, Ahmad Ghadafi Ismail, Azrul Azlan Hamzah
Language: English
Subfield: Pharmaceutical Science
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Funder: Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
OpenAlex ID: W7124316638