Despite surgical removal, recurrence rates of melanoma remain high, implying the necessity of radiotherapy. We aim to develop soluble ulvan microneedles (UMN) containing curcumin-loaded micelles (Cur-m) to improve transdermal delivery and act asradiosensitizers during X-ray irradiation. Cur-m was prepared by Cur and Pluronic 123 at a 1:20 weight ratio, with a particle size of19.3 nm and encapsulation efficiency of 98.3%. The colony formation assay against B16F10 cell lines further presented either radioprotection or radio sensitization properties depending on the concentration of curcumin. Integration of Cur-m into ulvanmicroneedles resulted in Cur-UMN, which presented a 99.56% successful insertion rate on porcine skin. Upon insertion, Cur-UMN rapidly dissolved by 82.3% within 150 seconds, with Franz cell testing revealing 76.4% of curcumin permeation into the dermis within 4 hours. Moreover, Cur-UMN transfer and release of curcumin in animals was validated by thein vivo imaging system followed by X-ray radiotherapy. In conclusion, Cur-UMN effectively delivers curcumin as a radiosensitizer, eliminating radiation dosage while enhancing the therapeutic efficacy of melanoma.[Disclosure of COI by Responsible researcher] Lead presenter is the Responsible researcher.
