Abstract: The present disclosure provides a matrix microneedle patch made of a hyaluronic acid (HA) polymeric backbone functionalized with needle height dopamine (DA) and 4-amino-3-fluorophenylboronic acid (AFBA, pKa~7.5) that quickly and spontaneously crosslinks upon mixing of the polymer solutions by auto-oxidation of catechol groups and reversible interactions between AFBA and catechol functional groups in the absence of any chemical crosslinking agent. The DA and AFBA content were selected for conjugation into the backbone of the HA polymer for the desired hormone delivery profile. The patch provides high drug loading capacity for long-term drug delivery application. The crosslinking mechanism for microneedle fabrication is biocompatible and beneficial for sustaining hormone drug stability and bioactivity as it does not require harsh crosslinking conditions.

Abstract: A composition for preventing or treating hypoglycemia in a patient in need thereof has a microgel that includes crosslinked polymers containing glucose-responsive moieties; and blood glucose-raising therapeutic agent loaded on or within the microgel. The microgel further includes any one or a combination of a stabilizing component and a loading-assisting component for the blood glucose-raising therapeutic agent. The polymers containing the glucose-responsive moieties form secondary crosslinks in response to low glucose level, thereby causing shrinking of the microgel and rapid release of the blood glucose-raising therapeutic agent. The composition can be used to prepare a composite microneedle patch for preventing or treating hypoglycemia, where the composition is embedded or integrated within an array of the microneedles of the microneedle patch device.

Abstract: A composition for preventing or treating hypoglycemia in a patient in need thereof has a microgel that includes crosslinked polymers containing glucose-responsive moieties; and blood glucose-raising therapeutic agent loaded on or within the microgel. The microgel further includes any one or a combination of a stabilizing component and a loading-assisting component for the blood glucose- raising therapeutic agent. The polymers containing the glucose-responsive moieties form secondary crosslinks in response to low glucose level, thereby causing shrinking of the microgel and rapid release of the blood glucose-raising therapeutic agent. The composition can be used to prepare a composite microneedle patch for preventing or treating hypoglycemia, where the composition is embedded or integrated within an array of the microneedles of the microneedle patch device.