Microneedles and Nanotechnology: Exploring their Interrelationship in a Patent Review
Isabella Morel Bordignon1, Katia Cinara Tregnago Cunha2, Patrícia Weimer3
1Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Av. Ipiranga, 2752, 90610-000 - Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
Recent Patents on Nanotechnology
|July 28, 2026
Summary
Global patent activity for microneedle-nanotechnology integration is rising, particularly in drug delivery. This multidisciplinary field shows diverse approaches to health challenges, fostering innovation and collaboration.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Microneedle systems offer painless administration for drug delivery and diagnostics.
- Integrating nanotechnology enhances microneedle therapeutic performance.
- This combination promises improved patient experience and compliance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the patent landscape of microneedle-nanotechnology integration.
- To identify trends and key areas of innovation in this field.
- To understand the multidisciplinary nature and relevance to drug delivery.
Main Methods:
- Patent documents were retrieved from Espacenet up to 2024.
- 932 patents were selected after applying inclusion/exclusion criteria.
- Patents were categorized by application, origin, nanotechnology type, and target substance.
Main Results:
- Global patent activity in microneedle-nanotechnology integration is increasing.
- Patents cover diverse therapeutic and preventive applications.
- Multiple nanosystems, microneedle formats, and bioactive compounds are incorporated.
Conclusions:
- Microneedle-nanotechnology integration is a growing, multidisciplinary field.
- This technology is highly relevant for drug delivery innovation.
- The patent landscape supports technological assessment and identifies collaboration opportunities.
