Transdermal microneedle monoclonal antibody sponge for chronic skin inflammation
Minimally invasive microneedle platform loaded with monoclonal antibodies to continuously absorb and neutralize inflammatory proteins beneath the skin for at least 6 months. Targets chronic inflammatory skin conditions including dermatitis, psoriasis, and eczema with localized, sustained delivery and reduced systemic side effects.
Overview
This solution is a transdermal microneedle sponge designed to deliver a cocktail of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) directly beneath the skin to control chronic inflammatory skin conditions. By trapping antibodies within a polymeric microneedle network, the platform minimizes random diffusion and reduces systemic side effects while providing localized, sustained neutralization of inflammatory proteins. The technology is being developed for conditions such as dermatitis, psoriasis, and eczema, where long-term management is critical.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Microneedle design: Microneedles are fabricated using photo- and soft-lithography techniques, allowing precise control over physical parameters such as height, diameter, and density.
- Polymer composition: Combinations of polymers including polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), carboxymethylcellulose sodium salt (CMC), hyaluronic acid (HA), and alginate are evaluated for stiffness and degradation. The sucralfate (SUC)/PVA combination demonstrated the best mechanical stability for transdermal application.
- Antibody conjugation: Monoclonal antibodies are conjugated to the microneedle sponge using EDC/NHS chemistry, preserving biofunctionality while preventing random diffusion.
- Tunable degradation: Material composition can be tailored to achieve degradation profiles lasting at least 6 months under the skin.
- Localized delivery: Proof-of-concept studies with fluorescent-tagged IL-4 showed highly localized drug delivery sustained for 4 months.
Validated applications:
- Improved wound closure, collagen deposition, and vascularization in diabetic mice.
- Reduced chronic skin inflammation in diabetic wound models.
- Enhanced wound regeneration in a pig model.
Technology readiness level
The technology has been validated in proof-of-concept studies using anti-inflammatory cytokines in diabetic mouse and pig wound models, demonstrating sustained localized delivery for up to 4 months. Future validation will focus on conjugating mAbs to the microneedle sponge, assessing in vivo degradation and safety over 6 months in mice, and evaluating therapeutic efficacy in a DNCB-induced atopic dermatitis model. Additional studies will examine inflammatory cytokine levels via ELISA and tissue histology, as well as disease recurrence prevention. The project aims to complete these validations within one year, advancing the platform toward preclinical readiness.
About National University of Singapore
The National University of Singapore is a comprehensive public research university and the country’s flagship, known for a global, collaborative culture. Industry partners access co‑located corporate labs, shared core facilities, and an integrated academic health system that supports clinical translation at scale. Campuses border the one‑north and Singapore Science Park innovation districts, linking companies to deep‑tech startups, government research institutes, and multinational R&D hubs. Research is powered by competitive national funding from the National Research Foundation Singapore, A*STAR, and the Ministry of Education, alongside international consortia and industry‑sponsored programs. A dedicated technology transfer office and enterprise programs handle IP, licensing, and venture creation, offering streamlined engagement models, pilots, and access to talent.
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