Micro-Vibrator Integrated Wet Adhesive Glycerogel Patch for Enhanced Transdermal Drug Delivery System

Transdermal drug delivery system (TDDS) is a painless method of delivering drugs by applying patches directly onto skin. Among the evolving variations of TDDS, hydrogel patchis gaining prominence for its capacity to facilitate skin hydration and efficiently deliver pharmaceutical agents across the skin barrier. However, in order to facilitate commercialization, hydrogel-based patches need to effectively tackle three key challenges: (1) minimizing moisture evaporation, (2) enhancing adhesion in wet environments, and (3) precisely controlling the release dosage of the contained medicine. Here, we introduce a novel glycerogel matrix that exhibits wet-adhesive properties, does not dry out, and possesses high toughness. This matrix is first designed to facilitate prolonged skin contact and enhance the absorption of drugs. Next, the glycerogel matrix was combined with a micro-vibrator film in order to enhance medication penetration through the stimulation of skin microcirculation. The glycerogel matrix exhibits rapid adherence to various surfaces in a wet condition, with a time frame of less than 10 seconds. The strength of adhesion is influenced by the size and composition of the silica nanoparticles used for surface coating. We alsoconfirmed the vibrator-assisted drug release create a synergistic effect within the hydrogel, promoting efficient drug dispersion and enhancing skin penetration. This accelerates drug absorption and improves drug efficacy, resulting in faster drug release and shorter time to achieve therapeutic goals. We believe this synergistic integration of these components presents a novel paradigm in controlled drug release, allowing for precise modulation of therapeutic dosages.<br/>Keywords? : Tough hydrogels, bioadhesives, transdermal drug delivery, micro-vibration film,active drug delivery