# In Vitro Release of Glycyrrhiza Glabra Extract by a Gel-Based Microneedle Patch for Psoriasis Treatment

## TL;DR

This study develops a low-cost microneedle patch to deliver Glycyrrhiza glabra extract for treating skin disorders like psoriasis.

## Contribution

A chitosan-based microneedle patch was fabricated using a CO2 laser cutter for in vitro delivery of GgE.

## Key findings

- The microneedles were conical, sharp, and showed notable swelling and degradability within 5 and 30 minutes, respectively.
- The patch showed no cytotoxicity and effectively delivered GgE, reducing cell population in fibroblast cells.
- The GgE-loaded patch shows potential for controlling cell proliferation in skin disorders.

## Abstract

Microneedle patches are attractive drug delivery systems that give hope for treating skin disorders. In this study, to first fabricate a chitosan-based low-cost microneedle patch (MNP) using a CO2 laser cutter for in vitro purposes was tried and then the delivery and impact of Glycyrrhiza glabra extract (GgE) on the cell population by this microneedle was evaluated. Microscopic analysis, swelling, penetration, degradation, biocompatibility, and drug delivery were carried out to assess the patch’s performance. DAPI staining and acridine orange (AO) staining were performed to evaluate cell numbers. Based on the results, the MNs were conical and sharp enough (diameter: 400–500 μm, height: 700–900 μm). They showed notable swelling (2 folds) during 5 min and good degradability during 30 min, which can be considered a burst release. The MNP showed no cytotoxicity against fibroblast cell line L929. It also demonstrated good potential for GgE delivery. The results from AO and DAPI staining approved the reduction in the cell population after GgE delivery. To sum up, the fabricated MNP can be a useful recommendation for lab-scale studies. In addition, a GgE-loaded MNP can be a good remedy for skin disorders in which cell proliferation needs to be controlled.