Title
Assessing the safety profile of polymers in transdermal microneedle patch fabrication: insights from an acute toxicity study
Authors
IMRAN ANWAR, NADIAH ZAFAR, ASIF MAHMOOD, ZULCAIF AHMAD, RAI MUHAMMAD SARFRAZ and RIFFAT LATIF

Received January 6, 2024
Published Volume 58 Issue 3-4 March-April
Keywords acute toxicity, dissolvable microneedles patch, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, maltose, safety profile, histopathology

Abstract
The acute toxicity study is a crucial component of preclinical toxicology assessments conducted to evaluate the potential adverse effects of a substance or compound on albino rabbits. This study provides key findings and implications of an acute toxicity study of natural and synthetic polymers that are used in the preparation of transdermal microneedle patches (TMNPs) for sustained delivery of doxazocin mesylate. In this study, we divided the albino rabbits into three equal groups (n = 6). Group-I was labeled as a control group and group-II was treated with TMNPs-1 (HPMC, maltose) and group-III was treated with TMNPs-2 (PLGA, polyvinyl acetate). The results obtained from feed consumption, hematology profile, biochemical studies, vital organ weight, and histopathological changes in vital organs were compared with the control group, and proved the safety profile of the polymers involved in the fabrication of microneedle patches. Mechanical strength and dermal safety study established the facts about the safety of microneedle patches and potential risks to health as a carrier system for the delivery of drugs into the systemic circulation directly.