Microneedle-based platforms for wound healing: recent advances
Imran Ibni Gani Rather1, Bidya Mondal1, Syed Muntazir Andrabi1
1Department of Surgery-Transplant and Mary & Dick Holland Regenerative Medicine Program, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA. jingwei.xie@unmc.edu.
Journal of Materials Chemistry. B
|July 20, 2026
Summary
Microneedle (MN) technology offers a minimally invasive approach to advanced wound healing. These systems enable targeted drug delivery, monitoring, and modulation of the wound environment for improved patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Regenerative Medicine
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Chronic wounds present significant clinical challenges due to inflammation, infection, and poor healing.
- Microneedle (MN) technology offers a promising solution for targeted therapeutic delivery and wound monitoring.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in microneedle fabrication, design, and application in wound healing.
- To highlight the potential of multifunctional MN systems for next-generation wound care.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on microneedle fabrication techniques (e.g., micromolding, 3D printing).
- Analysis of diverse microneedle designs (dissolvable, swellable, porous, hollow, separable, multifunctional).
- Discussion of intelligent MN systems integrating biosensing and stimuli-responsive drug release.
Main Results:
- Advances in fabrication allow precise control over MN geometry, strength, and drug loading.
- Diverse MN designs enable functionalities beyond drug delivery, including immunomodulation, antimicrobial action, and tissue regeneration.
- Intelligent MN systems facilitate real-time monitoring and tailored, on-demand therapeutic interventions.
Conclusions:
- Microneedle technology is a versatile platform for addressing complex wound healing challenges.
- Multifunctional and intelligent MN systems hold significant translational potential for future wound care applications.
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