Microneedles in Drug Delivery: Progress and Challenges

Abstract

In recent years, an innovative transdermal delivery technology has attracted great interest for its ability to distribute therapeutics and cosmeceuticals for several applications, including vaccines, drugs, and biomolecules for skin-related problems. The advantages of microneedle patch technology have been extensively evaluated in the latest literature; hence, the academic publications in this area are rising exponentially. Like all new technologies, the microneedle patch application has great potential but is not without limitations. In this review, we will discuss the possible limitations by highlighting the areas where a great deal of improvements are required. Emphasising these concerns early on should help scientists and technologists to address the matters in a timely fashion and to use their resources wisely.

Microneedle-Based Natural Polysaccharide for Drug Delivery Systems (DDS): Progress and Challenges

“…Consequently, the use of biodegradable polymeric systems for the manufacture of MNs has been investigated in recent years [15]. The main advantage of polymeric microneedle systems is their ability to load drugs into the microneedle matrix for discharge into the skin by biodegradation or dissolution into the skin's body fluid [160].…”

“…The possibility of manufacturing microneedle structures from aqueous polymer blends at room temperature without the need for a warming step could be a significant advantage in retaining the strategy of stability of an incorporated drug, particularly in the case of therapies in which proteins and peptides are implicated [161]. However, the stability of the MN cargo must be evaluated to make sure that fragile and highly degradable therapeutics are protected during the storage process [160]. This is generally performed by studying MNs and their cargo at various temperatures, such as −25, 4, 20, 40, and 60 • C, and then performing analytical measurements.…”

Application of microneedle patches for drug delivery; doorstep to novel therapies

“…In the present time, the fabrication systems used for MN device preparation need a new design to diminish economic costs. 186 The efficiency of MNs in drug delivery and vaccination has not been fully addressed and further studies should be conducted accordingly. Regarding complicated and several fabrication steps, sterilization, and disinfection of MNs are new challenges.…”

“… 188 In most studies, the repeatability and efficacy of MN devices have not been fully assessed and cGMP and quality control should be precisely defined. 186 Considering the existence of person-to-person differences in the terms of cutaneous layer thickness, MNs with similar geometrical values may yield varied therapeutic outcomes. Other factors with potency to affect delivery capacity are needle tip diameter and sharpness.…”

Lasered Graphene Microheaters Modified with Phase-Change Composites: New Approach to Smart Patch Drug Delivery

“…The advantages of transdermal drug delivery are well established and can offer a simple, painless method of administering therapeutics without the issues associated with oral ingestion or subcutaneous injections [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]. The avoidance of first-pass metabolism also provides an opportunity to lower the dosage and minimise potential side-effects.…”