Development and characterization of quetiapine-loaded microneedles-based transdermal patches for improved drug delivery.

OBJECTIVES

This study was executed to prepare and characterize quetiapine (antipsychotic drug)-loaded microneedles-based transdermal patch for improved drug delivery.

METHODS

This study was executed to develop microneedles-based transdermal patches (MNS) for quetiapine delivery. Eight MNS patches loaded with quetiapine (MNS1-MNS8) were fabricated using varying concentrations of sodium alginate and carboxymethyl cellulose. First four MNS patches (MNS1, MNS2, MNS3, and MNS4) were prepared by keeping sodium alginate concentration constant (6%) and increasing CMC concentration from 3% to 6%, whereas MNS5, MNS6, MNS7, and MNS8 were developed using sodium alginate to CMC concentrations 7:3, 7:4, 8:3, and 8:4, respectively. Solvent casting technique was opted for preparation of MNS patches. MNS were characterized for thickness, folding endurance, insertion capacity, drug content, morphology, and ex-vivo permeation profile using Wistar rat skin.

KEY FINDINGS

FTIR studies revealed the compatibility of quetiapine with formulation composites. Thickness and folding endurance was ranged in between 0.53-0.55 mm and 25-264, respectively. SEM of optimized patch showed sharp pointed needles. Ex-vivo permeation studies showed percent drug release of 84.34% from MNS1 after 48 h.

CONCLUSIONS

The overall findings of study proposed that the quetiapine-loaded MNS patches hold promise for the improved transdermal delivery of quetiapine.