Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 28, 2026

Hollow Microneedle-based Sensor for Multiplexed Transdermal Electrochemical Sensing
Published on: June 1, 2012
Transdermal Drug Delivery Mediated by Microneedle Arrays: Innovations and Barriers to Success
Ester Caffarel-Salvador, Ryan F Donnelly1
1Chair in Pharmaceutical Technology School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7BL, UK. r.donnelly@qub.ac.uk.
Abstract:
Microneedles (MN) offer a simple, minimally invasive and reduced pain alternative to hypodermic needles for drug delivery, including vaccines. Previous studies investigating the use of MN have highlighted the benefit of this technology to facilitate dermal and transdermal drug delivery. Going forward towards commercialization, it is important to consider the perceptions and acceptability that MN technology will have once available in the market. This review collects the opinions and expectations of different population groups such as children, parents, paediatricians and the general public on various MN systems. In addition, the low pain perception scores, based on a visual analog scale for MN application, should also lead to a greater acceptability of this technology as a means of transdermal drug delivery. This review also highlights the potential challenges associated with the different types of MN together with issues of sterility and biocompatibility which will be important future factors to consider.
Related Concept Videos
Transdermal Drug Delivery Systems
Drug Delivery: Miscellaneous Routes
Oral inhalation and nasal sprays swiftly transfer drugs across the respiratory epithelium's mucosal layer. Inhaled glucocorticoids and bronchodilators directly target lung conditions such as asthma, while fluticasone nasal spray mitigates allergic rhinitis.
Transdermal patches transport drugs...
Parenteral Drug Delivery Systems: Injectables, Implants, and Infusion Devices
Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Site-Targeted
Drug Delivery: Parenteral Route
There are three primary parenteral routes: intravenous (IV), intramuscular (IM), and subcutaneous (SC). The IV route introduces the drug directly into the bloodstream, ensuring immediate action. The IM route...
Intrauterine Drug Delivery Systems

