Biomicroneedling & PDRN: What You Can and Cannot Deliver Into the Skin
Biomicroneedling and PDRN-based treatments are rapidly gaining traction across clinics and salons. As more “PDRN serums for microneedling” appear in the beauty market, professionals need clarity on what the science actually supports.
This article breaks down the facts—how PDRN works, whether it can be delivered via microneedling, and why dermal injections remain the gold standard.
What Is PDRN?
PDRN (Polydeoxyribonucleotide) is a regenerative polynucleotide derived from salmon DNA. Its proven benefits include:
Stimulating fibroblast proliferation
Supporting wound healing
Triggering extracellular matrix production
Reducing inflammation
Enhancing overall skin regeneration
Research shows PDRN exerts its effects by activating adenosine A2A receptors, which drive fibroblast growth and angiogenesis.
Because of this regenerative potential, PDRN is widely used in injectable skin boosters and medical skin treatments.
Can PDRN Be Delivered Via Microneedling or Biomicroneedling?
This is the question many clinics are asking—and where misinformation often spreads. The short answer:
Microneedling can enhance topical penetration.
But it cannot reliably deliver intact PDRN into the dermis.
Here’s why.
1. PDRN Is a Large Molecule
PDRN is made of long DNA chains ranging from 50 kDa up to over 1500 kDa. Large molecules face significant diffusion challenges—even when the skin barrier is disrupted with needles. Only the smaller fragments may diffuse effectively, and even then, only to limited depths.
2. The Epidermis Contains Enzymes That Break Down DNA
The epidermis is rich in nucleases, which degrade DNA fragments. This means PDRN applied during microneedling may be degraded in the epidermis before it ever reaches the dermis.
3. Fibroblasts Live in the Dermis—Not the Epidermis
Fibroblasts, the cells responsible for collagen synthesis and tissue repair, reside in the dermal layer. For PDRN to activate A2A receptors and stimulate regeneration, it must be placed directly into the dermis. Clinical guidance consistently states PDRN skin boosters must be injected intradermally.
Injection depth for PDRN typically ranges from 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm to reach the fibroblast-rich zone.
So Why Do Clinics Combine PDRN With Microneedling?
Despite its molecular limitations, PDRN is frequently paired with microneedling for surface-level rejuvenation.
Microneedling does help increase permeability
Micro-channels created during the procedure can enhance absorption of:
Hydrophilic actives
Macromolecules
DNA fragments
As a result, PDRN microneedling may support:
Improved hydration
Mild brightening
Redness reduction
Surface texture improvements
However, this is not equivalent to a PDRN skin booster injection.
Microneedling does not deliver predictable or therapeutic levels of PDRN to the dermis.
What About Biomicroneedling?
Biomicroneedling uses natural silica spicules rather than steel needles and may create slightly deeper micro-channels.
But the same scientific limitations apply:
Large polynucleotides still face diffusion restrictions
Epidermal enzymes still degrade DNA
Delivery is still not comparable to intradermal placement
There is currently no peer-reviewed evidence showing biomicroneedling can deliver PDRN to the dermis in therapeutic concentrations.
Clinical Recommendations
For Appearance Medicine Nurses
Use intradermal PDRN injections when the treatment goal is:
Collagen regeneration
Dermal remodelling
Wound healing
Anti-inflammatory effects
Microneedling + PDRN may be offered as a milder, surface-focused treatment.
For Skin Therapists
PDRN microneedling can be offered (subject to local regulations) as a cosmetic rejuvenation treatment, but it should be positioned correctly:
It is not a skin booster injection
Results will be more subtle
Benefits will be surface-level rather than dermal
Always use sterile, needling-approved PDRN formulations.
Summary: What the Evidence Shows
✔ YES — Microneedling or Biomicroneedling can improve penetration of PDRN to a limited degree.
✔ YES — It may enhance hydration, mild texture, and surface radiance.
✘ NO — Microneedling or biomicroneedling cannot reliably deliver intact PDRN molecules into the dermis.
✘ NO — It does not replicate the fibroblast-stimulating effects of intradermal PDRN injections.
✔ THE ONLY scientifically validated method for true PDRN regenerative action is dermal injection.