Researchers from the Swiss Institute empa together with Aldena Therapeutics have developed a new technology that could significantly enhance the effectiveness of external drugs. This innovation involves the use of tiny ceramic “stars” which create microscopic holes in the skin, facilitating the penetration of medications.
The issue of low efficiency in many ointments and creams is a well-known challenge for medical professionals and pharmacists. Often, the molecules in these products are too large to penetrate the epidermis – the skin’s upper layer. Consequently, only a small portion of the applied treatment actually reaches beneath the skin’s surface.
Previously, an approach to tackle this problem involved using patches with microneedles – small material squares with numerous sharp spikes that contained medication. These needles, typically made from biomedical materials like silk, would painlessly penetrate the epidermis upon application to the skin. Post-penetration, they would dissolve and release the drug into the intercellular fluid.
However, these patches presented several drawbacks when compared to standard ointments. They were challenging to apply over large skin areas and struggled with uneven or hard-to-reach surfaces.
The solution comes in the form of nanoceramic stars, developed by a team of scientists led by Michael Stoyer and Patrick Hoffman as part of the Starcure project. Each three-dimensional star comprises three beams and has a diameter of only 0.8 mm, currently made from aluminum oxide.
Initially, stars were produced through laser sintering technology, allowing for one star to be made at a time. Recent advancements have led to the creation of polymer molds for casting, enabling mass production at an affordable cost on an industrial scale.
The stars are incorporated into a gel containing the medication, particularly suitable for drugs with small interfering RNA (siRNA) molecules. When the gel is applied to the skin, the sharp points of the stars roll over the epidermis, creating tiny pores. Despite the rapid closure of these micropores, they remain open long enough for the active substance to penetrate. Any residual drug is quickly eliminated shortly after application.
According to the developers, the use of nanoceramic stars is painless as the holes do not reach nerve endings. Michael Stoyer claims that the sensation is akin to a regular skin scrub, suggesting that this technology could potentially serve as an alternative to painful subcutaneous injections for intravenous drug delivery. Presently,