Advancements in Transdermal Drug Delivery Using Microneedles: Technological and Material Perspective

Microneedle patches (MNPs) have advanced significantly since their inception in the 1970s, offering a painless method for transdermal drug delivery by bypassing the skin's outer layer. This review highlights the various designs and materials used in MNPs, such as polymers, metals, and ceramics, and the manufacturing techniques like micromoulding, which is favored for its cost-effectiveness. MNPs can deliver a wide range of therapeutic substances, including small molecules, proteins, and vaccines, and have been enhanced by incorporating nanosystems for better drug stability and dermal deposition. Additionally, MNPs are used for diagnostic and therapeutic monitoring purposes and have been combined with techniques like electroporation to improve drug permeation. Their ease of use and minimal pain make them particularly suitable for pediatric and geriatric patients.