Silk Fibroin Microneedle Patches for the Sustained Release of Levonorgestrel

Abstract

The sustained release of levonorgestrel, a contraceptive, from silk-based microneedle patches was demonstrated for transdermal delivery. Modifications in the formulation of the silk protein and drug loading enabled the tuning of drug loading and release rates from the microneedle patches over time. Sustained drug release reached up to 100 days when the drug was loaded directly inside the microneedles, while release continued for more than a year when the drug was loaded inside microparticles prior to casting inside the microneedle patches. When coupled with the shelf-stable, refrigeration-less features of the silk protein matrix utilized in the microneedle fabrication, these findings suggest that long-acting contraception patches are feasible. This advance could provide practical options for women to have access to new options for protection against unwanted pregnancy.