Levonorgestrel Microneedle Array Patch for Sustained Release Contraception: Formulation, Optimization and In Vivo Characterization

Background: The goal of this work was to develop a levonorgestrel liposome-loaded microneedle array patch for contraception. Methods: Levonorgestrel-loaded liposome was formulated by a solvent injection technique, characterized, and studied. Results: The formulated liposomes were characterized for particle size (147 +/- 8 nm), polydispersity index (0.207 +/- 0.03), zeta potential (-23 +/- 4.25 mV), drug loading (18 +/- 3.22%) and entrapment efficiency (85 +/- 4.34%). A cryo high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and cryo field emission gun scanning electron microscopy study showed spherical shaped particles with a smooth surface. The in vitro drug release and in vivo pharmacokinetic study showed sustained behaviour of Levonorgestrel for 28 days. Conclusion: The levonorgestrel liposome-loaded microneedle array patch showed better contraception than the drug-loaded microneedle array patch.

Automated summary

This study developed a levonorgestrel liposome-loaded microneedle array patch for contraception, which showed better efficacy than the drug-loaded microneedle array patch. The sustained release behavior of levonorgestrel was observed for 28 days.