Microneedle-mediated drug delivery systems for brain diseases

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Biomaterials Science
• Drug Delivery

Background:

• Brain diseases present significant global health challenges.
• The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a major impediment to effective intracranial drug delivery.
• Microneedle technology offers a minimally invasive approach to overcome the BBB.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the structural classification, biomaterials, and BBB bypass mechanisms of brain-targeted microneedles.
• To analyze preclinical microneedle formulations and signaling pathways for glioblastoma, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease.
• To establish a framework for matching therapeutic targets, drugs, and microneedle types for brain delivery.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of microneedle applications in brain disease models.
• Analysis of structural classifications, biomaterials, and delivery routes for microneedles.
• Evaluation of preclinical data and identification of clinical translation challenges.

Main Results:

• Microneedles can bypass the BBB through various routes (intracranial, nose-to-brain, trigeminal nerve, transdermal).
• Preclinical studies demonstrate microneedle potential for glioblastoma, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's disease treatment.
• Key challenges for clinical translation include drug loading, biosafety, manufacturing, and regulatory hurdles.

Conclusions:

• Microneedle-mediated drug delivery holds significant promise for treating brain diseases by bypassing the BBB.
• Further innovation in microneedle technology, standardized evaluation, and regulatory frameworks are crucial for clinical translation.
• This review provides guidance for designing and translating microneedle-based brain drug delivery systems.