microneedlebased

Microneedle-based technologies refer to systems that use arrays of microscopic needles to interact with the skin for delivery, sampling, or sensing. The term encompasses solid, coated, dissolving, and hollow microneedles integrated into patches, injectors, or handheld devices. By creating microchannels through the stratum corneum, these technologies aim to improve access to systemic circulation or interstitial fluid while reducing pain and tissue trauma.

Design and materials vary, but common forms include solid microneedles that create pores, coated microneedles that release a drug upon insertion, dissolving microneedles formed from biodegradable polymers that release payloads as they dissolve, and hollow microneedles used to inject liquids. Materials range from silicon and metals to polymers such as polylactic acid, carboxymethyl cellulose, or in dissolving forms, sugar-based or other water-soluble polymers. Typical needle lengths are in the range of tens to hundreds of micrometers, chosen to breach the outer skin barrier without reaching deeper tissues.

Applications span transdermal drug and vaccine delivery, dermatological therapies, and cosmetic or diagnostic uses. Microneedle patches can provide pain-reduced, self-administered administration and offer opportunities for rapid dose titration, improved stability of certain therapeutics, and simplified storage in some cases. In diagnostics, microneedles can extract small samples or host sensors for real-time monitoring.

Advantages include reduced pain, avoidance of first-pass metabolism for some drugs, improved patient compliance, and potential dose accuracy. Challenges involve manufacturing scale-up, ensuring consistent skin penetration, sterility and safety concerns, variable skin properties among individuals, and navigating regulatory pathways. Ongoing research explores integration with electronic or chemical sensors, sensorized patches, and combination therapies to broaden clinical impact.