Dissolving microneedles for brain delivery: Recent advances and challenges.

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Nanotechnology
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Dissolving microneedles (DMNs) are emerging as a significant advancement in drug delivery.
• They offer a minimally invasive method for localized and controlled administration.
• DMNs are particularly useful for drugs susceptible to oral degradation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the application of DMNs for drug delivery to the brain.
• To discuss recent technological innovations in DMNs.
• To explore the clinical status and challenges of DMN translation for neurological disorders.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of DMN technology for brain drug delivery.
• Analysis of intranasal, transdermal, and intracranial delivery routes.
• Examination of DMN applications in neurodegenerative disease models.

Main Results:

• DMNs demonstrate efficient drug delivery to the brain via multiple routes.
• Recent advances have improved DMN design and drug loading capabilities.
• Exploration of DMNs for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease treatment is ongoing.

Conclusions:

• DMNs represent a promising strategy for brain drug delivery, especially for neurological conditions.
• Further technological development and clinical trials are needed to overcome translation challenges.
• DMNs hold potential for improved therapeutic outcomes in neurodegenerative diseases.