Advances in Intelligent Stimuli-Responsive Microneedle for Biomedical Applications

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Materials Science
• Drug Delivery Systems

Background:

• Microneedles (MNs) are a promising alternative to traditional transdermal drug delivery, offering effectiveness, safety, and painlessness.
• Conventional MNs have limited functionality, hindering broader applications in disease treatment and diagnosis.
• Intelligent stimulus-responsive MNs integrate advanced functionalities by reacting to internal and external environmental cues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the classification and principles of intelligent stimulus-responsive MNs.
• To highlight diverse biomedical applications of these advanced MNs.
• To discuss the future prospects and challenges in the field.

Main Methods:

• Classification of intelligent MNs based on stimuli (magnet, temperature, light, electricity, ROS, pH, glucose, protein).
• Review of current research and examples of MNs in various biomedical applications.
• Analysis of advantages including biocompatibility, targeted therapy, and precision treatment.

Main Results:

• Intelligent stimuli-responsive MNs exhibit unique functions triggered by specific environmental changes.
• Applications include on-demand drug delivery, tissue repair, bioimaging, diagnostics, and photothermal therapy.
• These MNs provide high biocompatibility, targeted therapy, selective detection, and precision treatment.

Conclusions:

• Intelligent stimulus-responsive MNs represent a significant advancement in drug delivery and biomedical applications.
• Their ability to respond to stimuli enables personalized and precise medical interventions.
• Further research is needed to overcome challenges and fully realize the potential of these smart MNs.