The promising application of hydrogel microneedles in medical application

Abstract

Objectives Hydrogel microneedles are emerging, and promising microneedles mainly composed of swelling polymers. This review is intended to summarize the preparation materials, formation mechanisms, applications and existing problems of hydrogel microneedles. Methods We collected the literature on the materials, preparation and application of hydrogel microneedles in recent years, and summarized their mechanism and application in drugs delivery. Key findings Hydrogel microneedles have higher safety and capabilities of controlled drug release, and have been mainly used in tumour and diabetes treatment, as well as clinical monitoring. In recent years, hydrogel microneedles have shown great potential in drug delivery, and have played the role of whitening, anti-inflammatory and promoting healing. Conclusions As an emerging drug delivery idea, hydrogel microneedles for drug delivery has gradually become a research hotspot. This review will provide a systematic vision for the favourable development of hydrogel microneedles and their promising application in medicine, especially drug delivery.

Research Progress of Hydrogel Microneedles in Wound Management

“…PVA has a strong ability to form cross-linked structures without the need for toxic cross-linkers. Additionally, due to its slow swelling rate, PVA-based HMNs enable sustained drug release …”

“…Additionally, due to its slow swelling rate, PVAbased HMNs enable sustained drug release. 51 In the preparation of PVA-based HMNs, the addition of different polymers is often employed to enhance the toughness, mechanical strength, and porosity of PVA hydrogels, thereby expanding the medical applications of PVA HMNs. For example, He et al 37 incorporated CS into PVA to prepare PVA/CS HMNs for ISF extraction.…”