Micro-nanoprojection patches for minimally-invasive and targeted delivery of genes and drugs to skin cells: from concept to technology platform (2007-2009)
Abstract
Recently, skin epidermal cells have been identified as ideal targets for delivering of genes and drugs, ultimately leading to improved and new health care strategies. However, current delivery methods inadequately deliver to this tightly-defined site. This project aims to investigate and develop a novel biomedical engineering technology we conceived to meet this need, in the form of patches with thousands of micro-nanoprojections invisible to the human eye coated with drug and applied to the skin. We will design and fabricate new devices and apply them to in-vitro models and skin to study and optimise their mechanical behaviour, drug coating-release and local immune responses.
