In 2024, a laboratory-based study evaluated the biological and mechanical effects of a microneedle and iontophoresis-based system known as the CELLADEEP Patch.

Importantly, this research was conducted using ex vivo human skin tissue—meaning human-derived skin samples maintained in a controlled laboratory setting, not live clinical subjects.

This article summarizes what the data show—and what they do not claim.

What Was Studied

The device system combines:

Dissolvable microneedles composed of hyaluronic acid and collagen

Iontophoresis (low-level electrical current delivery)

The microneedles measured 250 μm in length and are described as penetrating the stratum corneum and epidermis to create micropores, allowing molecules to permeate into the dermal layer.

The study model involved:

Human facial skin samples (ages 50–70)

UVB exposure (200 mJ) to simulate photo-stress

• Application of the device system for 1 hour

• Observation period up to 48 hours

Hydration Findings

Hydration was measured using a Corneometer device.

Compared to UVB-exposed untreated tissue:

• Hydration increased by 80.42% at 24 hours

• Hydration increased by 103.11% at 48 hours

These results indicate improved water content within the stratum corneum under laboratory conditions.

This finding reflects measured hydration change in tissue samples.
It does not represent a clinical claim regarding long-term moisturizing effects.

Barrier Function (TEWL)

Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) decreased by 33.80% at 48 hours compared to UVB-only tissue.

Lower TEWL is commonly associated with improved barrier integrity.

This suggests the system may support short-term barrier recovery in UVB-stressed skin tissue.

Elasticity Measurements

Skin elasticity was measured using Cutometer parameters R2, R5, and R7.

At 48 hours:

• R2 increased by 29.53%

• R5 increased by 67.01%

• R7 increased by 61.35%

These parameters reflect mechanical responsiveness of skin tissue in a laboratory model.

These values indicate improved elasticity markers in ex vivo tissue samples under controlled conditions.

Structural Observations

Histological staining suggested:

• Increased collagen density compared to UVB-only tissue

• Increased elastin density

• Reduced melanin compared to UVB-only samples

These findings reflect microscopic observations within 48 hours post-treatment in cultured tissue.

They do not constitute evidence of clinical wrinkle reduction or pigmentation treatment.

Molecular Markers

The study measured gene expression levels.

Notably:

• COL1A1 expression increased by 324.31%

• MMP-1 expression decreased by 33.07%

• IL-1β decreased by 43.88%

• HAS3 increased by 111.65%

It is important to clarify:

Increased mRNA expression reflects upregulation of biological pathways.
It does not directly equate to proportional increases in collagen protein mass within 48 hours.

These results suggest potential support of collagen-related and hydration-related molecular pathways.

What This Study Supports

The data support that, in an ex vivo UVB-stressed human skin model, the microneedle + iontophoresis system:

• Increased hydration markers

• Reduced water loss

• Improved measured elasticity parameters

• Altered gene expression associated with collagen and inflammation pathways

What This Study Does Not Claim

This study does not demonstrate:

• Long-term clinical anti-aging outcomes

• Wrinkle reduction in live human subjects

• Permanent structural skin remodeling

• Subcutaneous tissue delivery

The authors note that further animal and clinical studies would be needed to validate long-term outcomes.

The CELLADEEP Patch system demonstrated measurable biological and mechanical changes in a controlled ex vivo human skin model following UVB stress.

The findings suggest support for hydration, barrier function, elasticity markers, and collagen-related pathways within 48 hours under laboratory conditions.

Interpretation beyond this scope would require additional clinical validation.