An Advanced Adhesive Electrolyte Hydrogel Intended for Iontophoresis Enhances the Effective Delivery of Glycolic Acid Via Microbeads

This study presents an innovative iontophoretic delivery system for glycolic acid (GA) based on polysaccharide microbeads embedded within an electrolyte hydrogel. The mi-crobeads, fabricated using a peristaltic pump, exhibited a uniform morphology with an average diameter of 1078 ± 140.38 μm and were successfully integrated into a hydrogel matrix (thickness: 4542.55 ± 337.24 μm). Comprehensive physicochemical characterization (FT-IR, XRD, SEM) confirmed effective component integration. The hydrogel demonstrated optimal mechanical properties with a tensile strength of 0.02 ± 0.003 MPa and reliable adhesion to various substrates, while maintaining excellent self-healing capabili-ties-post-repair conductivity remained sufficient to power an LED indicator. The material demonstrated favorable conductivity under various storage conditions while maintaining non-cytotoxic properties. Notably, microbead incorporation preserved electrochemical performance, as demonstrated by stable behavior in cyclic voltammetry using an Ag/AgCl reference system. Iontophoretic testing revealed significantly enhanced glycolic acid delivery at -1.0 V com-pared to passive diffusion. The system, combining PVA, PAA, alginate, [Bmim]BF₄, and E. prolifera polysaccharides with gellan gum, shows strong potential for advanced cosmetic dermatology applications requiring precise active ingredient delivery.