A dual approach using PEGylated nanocarriers and microneedles to enhance transdermal delivery of macromolecular proteins from goat placenta extract

Abstract

Goat placenta (GP) extract contains bioactive macromolecules that stimulate skin cell growth; however, the transdermal delivery of hydrophilic macromolecules remains limited. This study aimed to develop PEGylated nanocarriers combined with microneedles (MN) as a transdermal delivery approach for macromolecular proteins from GP extract. PEGylated liposomes (P-LI) and PEGylated nanoparticles (P-NP) were formulated to entrap GP extract and subsequently combined with MN patches. In vitro permeation studies and pathway visualization were conducted using bovine serum albumin–fluorescein isothiocyanate (BSA-FITC) as a model protein. The GP extract-loaded P-LI exhibited the highest protein entrapment efficiency, uniform nanovesicle formation, narrow size distribution, and negative surface charge, making it the optimal candidate for MN loading. The P-LI-loaded MN system enhanced both skin permeation and dermal deposition of the macromolecular proteins, resulting in their accumulation in the deeper skin layers. In conclusion, the P-LI–MN system provides an effective platform for the transdermal delivery of hydrophilic macromolecules from GP extract.