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Updated: May 28, 2026
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Hollow Microneedle-based Sensor for Multiplexed Transdermal Electrochemical Sensing
Published on: June 1, 2012
Stimuli-responsive microneedles: Engineered solutions for multifaceted diabetic wound healing
Fengyuan Wang1, Jue Zhang1, Bing Han1
1Department of Dermatology, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing, China.
Summary
Stimuli-responsive microneedles offer a promising approach for treating diabetic wounds by enabling precise drug delivery. Future research should focus on multifunctional microneedles that respond to multiple stimuli for enhanced therapeutic outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Materials Science
- Drug Delivery Systems
Background:
- Diabetic wounds, particularly foot ulcers, are challenging to heal due to factors like infection, hyperglycemia, and hypoxia.
- Traditional treatments for diabetic wounds face limitations in drug permeability and duration.
- Stimuli-responsive microneedles (SRMNs) offer controlled transdermal drug delivery for precision medicine.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current state of stimuli-responsive microneedles for diabetic wound treatment.
- To discuss the potential of multifunctional microneedles responding to multiple stimuli.
- To clarify the distinction between SRMNs and microenvironment-associated platforms.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of stimuli-responsive microneedle research for diabetic wound therapy.
- Analysis of current single-stimulus-responsive microneedle strategies.
- Discussion of multi-stimuli-responsive microneedle development and translational barriers.
Main Results:
- SRMNs show promise for treating the complex microenvironment of diabetic wounds.
- Current research predominantly focuses on single-stimulus-responsive microneedles.
- Multifunctional microneedles capable of responding to multiple stimuli are underdeveloped.
Conclusions:
- SRMNs represent a promising therapeutic strategy for refractory diabetic wounds.
- Further development of multi-stimuli-responsive microneedles is needed for advanced wound care.
- Key translational challenges include mechanical properties, scalability, cargo stability, and regulatory approval.
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