Dissolving biopolymer microneedle patches for the improvement of skin elasticity

Skin elasticity is the most important marker of skin aging. In this study, we examined the effects of, and mechanism underlying the action of, dissolvable and swellable microneedle (MN) patches fabricated from hyaluronic acid (HA) or gelatin on skin elasticity. We observed that dissolvable HA and Gelatin MN patches exhibited higher instant skin elasticity change ratios (17.3% and 12.6%, respectively) than any other MN patches in vivo. Both the patches increased the dermal thickness by increasing the elastin levels and preventing collagen degradation by downregulating the activity of MMP-1 in the dermis. In vitro, HA and gelatin exhibited antioxidant activities and increased the viability and proliferation of rat dermal fibroblasts, thereby promoting fibroblast accumulation in the dermis. Particularly, HA-induced enlargement of the spread-out area of the fibroblasts stimulated their contractile ability. Therefore, we propose dissolvable HA as the most suitable natural polymer for MN patches to improve skin elasticity. (c) 2022 The Korean Society of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This study demonstrates that dissolvable and swellable microneedle patches made from hyaluronic acid (HA) or gelatin can improve skin elasticity. These patches increase dermal thickness by increasing elastin levels, preventing collagen degradation, and promoting fibroblast viability and proliferation.