Universally applicable RNA membrane-based microneedle system for transdermal drug delivery

Abstract

The transdermal delivery of functional biomolecules has been widely achieved by microneedles in a non-invasive manner. However, establishing a simple and universal way to assure a stable loading of a large number of drugs is still imperative, particularly for the delivery of nucleic acid-based drugs. To address this issue, here, we present a universally applicable RNA membrane-coating system as a novel platform to manufacture purpose-oriented microneedles. Customization of RNA membrane-based microneedles is realized by large surface area, high cargo capacity, and controllable material properties of the RNA membrane and 3D-printing of customized scaffold microneedles in a purpose-oriented manner. In addition, simple covering with the RNA membrane facilitates the fabrication of RNA-coated microneedles regardless of the configuration and material of the scaffold. This study demonstrates the successful delivery of RNA along with various types of drugs by purpose-oriented microneedles. Taken together, our approach provides a general route towards the fabrication of tailor-made microneedles for efficient transdermal drug delivery.