Toward Biofunctional Microneedles for Stimulus Responsive Drug Delivery

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Materials Science
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Microneedles enable painless transdermal drug delivery by permeating the stratum corneum.
• These devices also serve as conduits for biosignal sensing, expanding their utility.
• Current research explores microneedles as dual-purpose platforms for therapy and diagnostics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the development of microneedles as integrated biosensing and drug delivery platforms.
• To review advancements in microneedle sensor technology for continuous monitoring.
• To discuss the evolution of therapeutics delivered via microneedles and future directions.

Main Methods:

• Development of conductive and electrochemically reactive biomaterials for microneedle sensors.
• Diversification of therapeutic agents for microneedle delivery systems.
• Investigation of novel bioabsorbable microneedles in clinical studies.

Main Results:

• Microneedle sensors are advancing for continuous biopotential and bioanalyte monitoring.
• A growing range of therapeutics are being delivered effectively using microneedle technology.
• Bioabsorbable microneedles are progressing to human clinical trials.

Conclusions:

• Future microneedle platforms will integrate biofunctional materials for stimulus-responsive drug delivery.
• Enhanced adhesion and conformity to dynamic tissues are key challenges for biofunctional patches.
• Biofunctional microneedles represent a next-generation platform for advanced therapeutic systems.