Development and Evaluation of Prunetin-Loaded Dissolving Microneedle Patch for the Treatment of Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic, immune-mediated inflammatory skin disorder characterized by erythematous, scaly plaques, epidermal hyperproliferation, and abnormal keratinocyte differentiation. Conventional topical therapy remains an important treatment option for localized psoriasis, however, effective delivery of therapeutic compounds across the stratum corneum remains a major formulation challenge. Repeated application, poor skin retention, cosmetic inconvenience, and variable patient adherence can further limit the practical effectiveness of topical formulations.Prunetin is an O-methylated isoflavone with experimentally demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity. Its reported effects on inflammatory signaling provide a pharmacological rationale for investigating prunetin as a potential candidate for inflammatory skin disorders. However, direct evidence establishing prunetin as an effective treatment for psoriasis remains limited, and its anti-psoriatic activity requires systematic experimental validation.Dissolving microneedle patches represent an advanced localized drug-delivery approach in which micron-scale projections temporarily penetrate the stratum corneum and subsequently dissolve within the skin, releasing the incorporated therapeutic compound. This technology may improve local skin deposition while avoiding the need for conventional hypodermic needles and reducing sharp-device waste.The proposed prunetin-loaded dissolving microneedle patch therefore combines the potential anti-inflammatory activity of prunetin with a minimally invasive skin-delivery platform. Development of the formulation requires systematic preformulation, polymer selection, fabrication optimization, physicochemical characterization, mechanical and insertion testing, drug-release and skin-deposition studies, biological evaluation, and in vivo assessment. This review discusses the scientific rationale, formulation strategy, characterization requirements, potential mechanism, challenges, and future translational prospects of a prunetin-loaded dissolving microneedle patch for psoriasis.