Polymer Microneedles for Localized Drug Delivery in Musculoskeletal Tissue Regeneration

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Musculoskeletal (MSK) disorders cause significant disability worldwide.
• Current therapies for MSK conditions have limitations including toxicity and poor delivery.
• Polymer microneedles (MNs) present a novel platform for localized MSK tissue treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advances (2018-2026) in polymer MN systems for MSK regeneration.
• To classify polymer chemistries and MN architectures for MSK applications.
• To survey smart MN designs and future clinical impact.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of polymer MNs for MSK regeneration (2018-2026).
• Classification of polymer types and MN designs.
• Mapping MN applications across various MSK tissues (bone, cartilage, muscle, etc.).
• Survey of "smart" MNs utilizing various triggers.

Main Results:

• Polymer MNs are versatile for localized delivery of therapeutics to MSK tissues.
• Diverse polymer chemistries and MN architectures are being developed.
• Smart MN designs incorporate triggers like ROS, pH, and mechanical stimuli.
• Applications span bone, cartilage, intervertebral disc, tendon, and skeletal muscle regeneration.

Conclusions:

• Polymer MNs are a promising technology for MSK regeneration.
• Key future directions include hybrid MN-scaffold products and stimuli-responsive platforms.
• Cell- and extracellular vesicle-loaded MNs are poised for clinical impact.