Formulation Study and Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Natural Polymer-Based Dissolving Microneedles for Model Vaccine Delivery

Emma Jayanti Besan (Universitas Muhammadiyah Kudus, Indonesia)
Muhammad Nurul Fadel (Universitas Muhammadiyah Kudus, Indonesia)
Nur Masyithah Zamruddin (Universitas Mulawarman, Indonesia)
Dara Sukma Ratmelya (Universitas Syiah Kuala, Indonesia)
Yuneka Saristiana (Universitas Kadiri, Indonesia)

Fundamental and Applied Research in Medicine and Allied Sciences Indonesia
Vol. 2 No. 1 (2026): May, 2026

Dissolving microneedle (DMN) arrays made from biocompatible natural polymers offer a promising transdermal vaccine delivery system that can reduce pain, eliminate cold-chain dependence, and minimize the need for trained healthcare workers compared to conventional injections. This study aimed to formulate and characterize natural polymer-based DMNs containing ovalbumin (OVA) as a model antigen and evaluate their immunogenicity in mice. DMNs (F1–F5) were prepared using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP K30), and hyaluronic acid (HA) at different concentrations through spin-casting into PDMS molds. The formulations were evaluated for morphology, mechanical strength, dissolution time, encapsulation efficiency, antigen release, and immunogenicity in BALB/c mice. The optimized formulation (F4; PVA 15%, PVP K30 10%, HA 1%) showed needle heights of 544.9 ± 15.1 µm, mechanical strength of 0.52 ± 0.04 N/needle, complete dissolution within 15 minutes, and encapsulation efficiency of 94.8 ± 1.8%. Immunogenicity testing demonstrated IgG titers comparable to subcutaneous injection controls. These findings indicate that natural polymer-based DMNs are a promising needle-free and patient-friendly vaccine delivery platform.