# Development and Characterization of Dissolving Microneedles for the Buccal Delivery of Cannabidiol (CBD)

## TL;DR

This study developed dissolving microneedles for delivering cannabidiol (CBD) through the mouth, offering a more effective and patient-friendly alternative to traditional oral methods.

## Contribution

The study introduces a novel method using 3D-printed molds to customize microneedle geometry for buccal CBD delivery.

## Key findings

- Needles were successfully inserted into buccal tissue and released CBD in a controlled manner.
- The approach bypasses first-pass metabolism, potentially improving CBD bioavailability.
- Histological evaluation confirmed the safety and integrity of the mucosa after microneedle application.

## Abstract

This study aimed to develop dissolving microneedles (MNs) for the buccal delivery of cannabidiol (CBD). CBD is a non-psychotomimetic phytocannabinoid with anti-inflammatory and anxiolytic properties. The MN arrays were produced using micromolding, which has the ability of scalability. However, this approach lacks the ability to customize needle geometry; thus, additive manufacturing was implemented in the study. Digital Light Processing (DLP) printing is a promising way to produce molds with customized MN architecture. In the present study, molds were fabricated from 3D-printed MN arrays to prepare dissolving MNs for buccal administration. Polymeric needles based on Eudragit L100-55 and Eudragit RSPO were produced from reverse molds and they were evaluated regarding their physiochemical and mechanical properties, followed by in vitro and ex vivo studies using porcine buccal mucosa. Visualization studies were conducted using confocal scanning laser microscopy, whereas the membrane integrity of the porcine mucosa upon application of the MNs was assessed by histological evaluation. Our results suggest that the needles can be effectively inserted into the buccal tissue and release the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) in a controlled manner. This approach offers a patient-friendly alternative to oral CBD delivery, bypassing first-pass metabolism.