Microneedles (MNs) are one of intriguing approach for efficient transdermal drug delivery that penetrates the protective skin barrier in a painless and less invasive way. In recent years, multidisciplinary studies have been conducted to improve their properties to meet stringent requirements and obtain market release approval. This review aims to summarize the latest concept design with unique properties in the advancement of transdermal MNs for diagnosis and therapeutic application. Numerous significant innovation strategies in improving MNs in aspects of adhesion ability, dosing capacity, drug‐controlled release, diffusion control ability, site‐targeted and on‐demand drug delivery, and biomarker or drug release monitoring are presented. Given that the majority of technologies used in such design are exclusively laboratory‐based, striving toward commercialization is a critical aspect of the revolution. Key challenges and future perspectives in industrial and economic aspects are identified with the intention of translating the reviewed technologies into marketable products.
Fused deposition modeling (FDM) is an additive manufacturing technique with significant advantages, including cost effectiveness, applicability for a wide range of materials, user-friendliness and small equipment features. However, its poor resolution represents a hindrance for functional parts for commercial production. In this review, the key process parameters are presented with their factors and effects on the characteristics of FDM-printed polymeric products. Hence, better insights into the relationship between key parameters and three main printing characteristics, namely, surface roughness, mechanical strength and dimensional accuracy, in existing FDM research are provided. A conclusion that addresses the challenges and future research directions in this area is also presented.
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