Microneedles as a Promising Technology for Disease Monitoring and Drug Delivery: A Review

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Drug Delivery Systems
• Dermatology

Background:

• The epidermal barrier significantly hinders transcutaneous delivery of molecules like DNA, RNA, peptides, and hydrophilic drugs.
• Microneedle (MN) technology has gained prominence for its ability to bypass this barrier, facilitating drug and biomolecule penetration.
• MNs create microchannels, compromising skin's barrier function for enhanced substance delivery and stability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an updated overview of microneedle systems for drug delivery.
• To discuss activators, materials, and design strategies for controlled release from microneedles.
• To explore fabrication techniques, clinical implementation factors, and future directions for microneedle technology.

Main Methods:

• Review of current microneedle systems and their activation mechanisms.
• Analysis of materials used in microneedle fabrication and their impact on pharmacokinetics.
• Discussion of fabrication techniques for integrated microneedle drug delivery systems.

Main Results:

• Microneedle technology enables transcutaneous delivery of diverse therapeutic substances with enhanced stability.
• Optimized needle design, material selection, and activation methods are crucial for efficient and regulated drug release.
• Various fabrication techniques are available for producing microneedles for biomedical and electronic applications.

Conclusions:

• Microneedle technology presents a viable alternative to conventional drug administration, offering advantages in stability and controlled release.
• Successful clinical implementation requires thorough assessment of biocompatibility, drug stability, safety, and cost-effectiveness.
• Further research into microneedle design, materials, and fabrication is essential for advancing drug delivery and disease monitoring.