Themed collection Microneedles
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Introduction to microneedles
The Guest Editors for this Journal of Materials Chemistry B and Biomaterials Science cross-journal themed collection on microneedles introduce the collection and discuss some of the featured work.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2023,11, 9323-9324
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3TB90166A
Introduction to microneedles
The Guest Editors for this Journal of Materials Chemistry B and Biomaterials Science cross-journal themed collection on microneedles introduce the collection and discuss some of the featured work.
Biomater. Sci., 2023,11, 6685-6686
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3BM90074F
Microneedle systems: cell, exosome, and nucleic acid based strategies
Cells, exosomes, and nucleic acids play crucial roles in biomedical engineering, holding substantial clinical potential.
Biomater. Sci., 2023,11, 7018-7033
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3BM01103H
Transdermal drug delivery via microneedles for musculoskeletal systems
Microneedles, with the advantages of oral administration and local injection, have become a novel strategy for administration and treatment of musculoskeletal diseases. We emphasized the progress and broad applications of MN-based transdermal drug delivery for MSK systems.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2023,11, 8327-8346
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3TB01441J
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.148/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Microneedle-based glucose monitoring: a review from sampling methods to wearable biosensors
Microneedles are designed to mediate biofluid extraction and achieve transdermal biosensing and diagnosis.
Biomater. Sci., 2023,11, 5727-5757
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3BM00409K
Progress in the preparation and evaluation of glucose-sensitive microneedle systems and their blood glucose regulation
Glucose-sensitive microneedle system (GSMS) as a smart strategy to treat diabetes can regulate insulin release according to the blood glucose concentration.
Biomater. Sci., 2023,11, 5410-5438
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3BM00463E
Recent progress in PLGA-based microneedle-mediated transdermal drug and vaccine delivery
Different types of Microneedles (MNs) used in drug, vitamin, protein and vaccine delivery.
Biomater. Sci., 2023,11, 5390-5409
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3BM00795B
Microneedles: a novel strategy for wound management
Wound management is a serious concern worldwide, inflicting a huge social and economic burden on patients and healthcare systems, and research into efficient wound-management measures is crucial.
Biomater. Sci., 2023,11, 4430-4451
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3BM00262D
Smart microneedle patches for wound healing and management
Diagram of the Smart Wound Management Microneedle Patch. Smart microneedle patches combine treatment and monitoring for real-time diagnosis.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2023,11, 2830-2851
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2TB02596E
An update on biomaterials as microneedle matrixes for biomedical applications
In this review, we have summarised and reviewed the current matrix materials used for the preparation of MNs in light of the five aspects. In addition, we conclude with a summary of the MN products used on the market and their applications.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2022,10, 6059-6077
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2TB00905F
Egg microneedles for transdermal vaccination of inactivated influenza virus
The use of egg microneedles (EMN) is a promising transdermal vaccine delivery technique, effectively preserving the vaccine's activity during its dissolution and delivery directly into the skin upon administration.
Biomater. Sci., 2024,12, 907-918
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3BM01635H
Botulinum toxin A dissolving microneedles for hyperhidrosis treatment: design, formulation and in vivo evaluation
Multiple periodic injections of botulinum toxin A (BTX-A) are the standard treatment of hyperhidrosis which causes excessive sweating.
Biomater. Sci., 2023,11, 7784-7804
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3BM01301D
Efficient fabrication of thermo-stable dissolving microneedle arrays for intradermal delivery of influenza whole inactivated virus vaccine
WIV incorporated dMNAs produced by the dispensing method reduced antigen waste by 95% compared to the centrifugation method. They also maintained the stability of WIV and elicited similar immune responses to intramuscularly (I.M.) delivered WIV.
Biomater. Sci., 2023,11, 6790-6800
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3BM00377A
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.148/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Thermosensitive biomaterial gels with chemical permeation enhancers for enhanced microneedle delivery of naltrexone for managing opioid and alcohol dependency
Naltrexone (NTX) can be transdermally delivered using microneedles (MN) to treat opioid and alcohol misuse disorders, but delivery is blunted by rapid in vivo micropore closure.
Biomater. Sci., 2023,11, 5846-5858
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3BM00972F
Delivery of gold nanoparticle-conjugated M2e influenza vaccine in mice using coated microneedles
Microneedles coated with a gold-nanoparticle based broadly protective influenza vaccine stimulates protective immunity in mice.
Biomater. Sci., 2023,11, 5859-5871
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3BM00305A
Personalized demand-responsive biphasic microneedle patch for smart drug administration
A personalized biphasic microneedle patch with variable treatment regimens and an invisible drug delivery capability.
Biomater. Sci., 2023,11, 5605-5617
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3BM00780D
Investigation of the antibacterial properties of hyaluronic acid microneedles based on chitosan and MoS2
CS–MoS2 nanocomplexes were introduced into microneedle patches for the first time. The prepared carbohydrate-based patches have the potential effect of promoting wound healing.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2023,11, 7169-7181
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3TB00755C
Nanozyme-integrated microneedle patch for enhanced therapy of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma by breaking the gap between H2O2 self-supplying chemodynamic therapy and photothermal therapy
A microneedle patch has been developed to bridge the gap between H2O2 self-supplying chemodynamic therapy and photothermal therapy, resulting in enhanced therapy of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2023,11, 6595-6602
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3TB00708A
Double-layered PLGA/HA microneedle systems as a long-acting formulation of polyphenols for effective and long-term management of atopic dermatitis
Co-delivery of curcumin (CUR) and gallic acid (GA) using the double-layered PLGA/HA microneedles can exhibit synergistic antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects for rapid and long-lasting relief of atopic dermatitis symptoms in Nc/Nga mice.
Biomater. Sci., 2023,11, 4995-5011
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3BM00182B
Electrochemical detection of cholesterol in human biofluid using microneedle sensor
The development of a straightforward, economical, portable, and highly sensitive sensing platform for the rapid detection of cholesterol is desirable for the early diagnosis of several pathologic conditions.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2023,11, 6075-6081
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2TB02142K
Fabrication of polyvinyl pyrrolidone-K90/Eudragit RL100-based dissolving microneedle patches loaded with alpha-arbutin and resveratrol for skin depigmentation
DMN patches loaded with AA and Res: fabricated from biodegradable polymer blends in order to inhibit melanin production.
Biomater. Sci., 2023,11, 4583-4601
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3BM00132F
A photocatalytic carbon monoxide-generating effervescent microneedle patch for improved transdermal chemotherapy
A core–shell MN platform with controllable CO photoproduction was fabricated. Effervescent design enabled efficient CO generation and enhanced drug permeation. The CO-sensitized chemotherapeutic MNs had great curative efficiency for melanoma.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2023,11, 5406-5415
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2TB02613A
PEDOT coated microneedles towards electrochemically assisted skin sampling
Electrochemically active microneedles are formed from plastic coated with PEDOT. A pair of these form a skin sampler and evaluated in the hydrated excised skin. This provides additional information on the interstitial fluid extracted from the skin.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2023,11, 5021-5031
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3TB00485F
Dissolving microneedles based on ZnO nanoparticles and an ionic liquid as synergistic antibacterial agents
ZnO NPs had good dispersion in the employed IL, which made the ZnO NPs and the IL exhibit a synergistic antibacterial effect. The DMNs prepared using the ZnO NPs/IL dispersion as an antibacterial agent exhibited a good antibacterial effect.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2023,11, 4354-4364
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3TB00127J
A 3D-printed microneedle extraction system integrated with patterned electrodes for minimally invasive transdermal detection
The microneedle-extraction system integrated with patterned electrodes can provide convenient, mininally invasive detection of bio-analytes, including glucose, pH and H2O2.
Biomater. Sci., 2023,11, 3737-3749
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2BM01975B
Nitric oxide-releasing poly(ionic liquid)-based microneedle for subcutaneous fungal infection treatment
PILMN-NO with persistent NO transdermal delivery properties and fungicidal activity was construced, which showed anti-inflammatory, collagen deposition, angiogenesis and wound healing promoting activities in vivo subcutaneous fungal infection.
Biomater. Sci., 2023,11, 3114-3127
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2BM02096C
Multifunctional zwitterionic microneedle dressings for accelerated healing of chronic infected wounds in diabetic rat models
Multi-effective treatment of diabetic chronic wounds has been achieved with a single multifunctional degradable and removable zwitterionic microneedle dressing.
Biomater. Sci., 2023,11, 2750-2758
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2BM02101C
Revealing drug release and diffusion behavior in skin interstitial fluid by surface-enhanced Raman scattering microneedles
Scheme of the study of drug release and diffusion behavior of a therapeutic microneedle (T-MN) via a SERS detection microneedle (D-MN) in dermal interstitial fluid (ISF).
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2023,11, 3097-3105
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2TB02600G
Transdermal delivery of allopurinol to acute hyperuricemic mice via polymer microneedles for the regulation of serum uric acid levels
Polymer microneedle patches for transdermal delivery of anti-hyperuricemia drugs (Allopurinol, AP) have been developed for regulating serum uric acid levels, reducing adverse reactions and improving the bioavailability of AP.
Biomater. Sci., 2023,11, 1704-1713
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2BM01836E
A mechanically tough and ultra-swellable microneedle for acute gout arthritis
A tough and ultra-swellable microneedle was fabricated using in situ photopolymerization. Colchicine release was triggered by diffusion when microneedles were used on MSU-induced acute gout rats, resulting in decreased levels of inflammatory cytokines.
Biomater. Sci., 2023,11, 1714-1724
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2BM01937J
An antibacterial and proangiogenic double-layer drug-loaded microneedle patch for accelerating diabetic wound healing
A double-layer microneedle patch DMN@TCH/DFO was prepared and released TCH and DFO to accelerate wound healing through antibacterial and angiogenesis-promoting processes, and provides a new choice for diabetic wound repair.
Biomater. Sci., 2023,11, 533-541
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2BM01588A
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.148/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Intradermal delivery of an angiotensin II receptor blocker using a personalized microneedle patch for treatment of hypertrophic scars
A personalized, dissolving microneedle patch is developed for an intradermal delivery of an angiotensin II receptor blocker to treat a hypertrophic scar.
Biomater. Sci., 2023,11, 583-595
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2BM01631A
A lipid–polymer hybrid nanoparticle (LPN)-loaded dissolving microneedle patch for promoting hair regrowth by transdermal miR-218 delivery
A miRNA transdermal delivery device for alopecia therapy that combines the use of hyaluronic acid (HA)-based dissolving MN to enhance corneum permeability with lipid polymer hybrid nanoparticles (LPNs) to protect miR-218 from degradation.
Biomater. Sci., 2023,11, 140-152
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2BM01454H
Preparation and characterization of flexible furosemide-loaded biodegradable microneedles for intradermal drug delivery
Furosemide-loaded microneedles, comprising PLGA needle tips and a flexible base, were fabricated and characterized in vitro and ex vivo. The microneedles exhibited an initial burst release followed by sustained release of furosemide.
Biomater. Sci., 2022,10, 6486-6499
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2BM01143C
Hollow microneedle array fabrication using a rational design to prevent skin clogging in transdermal drug delivery
Scalable, bottom-up fabrication of rational bi-level-tip, tapered hollow microneedle array with carbon nanotube microstructures enabled efficient liquid delivery and required less force for skin penetration.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2022,10, 8419-8431
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2TB01648F
Microneedle patch with “spongy coating” to co-load multiple drugs to treat multidrug-resistant melanoma
Microneedle Patch with porous spongy coating could achieve the synergistic administration of SAHA and CBP for treatment of multidrug-resistant melanoma.
Biomater. Sci., 2022,10, 6282-6290
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2BM01275H
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.148/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Soluplus®-based dissolving microarray patches loaded with colchicine: towards a minimally invasive treatment and management of gout
Colchicine-Soluplus® was loaded into dissolving microarray patches for a new minimally-invasive alternative strategy for management of acute gout.
Biomater. Sci., 2022,10, 5838-5855
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2BM01068B
About this collection
Microneedles, since their inception as a unique transdermal drug and vaccine delivery system, have become a noteworthy system used in multiple routes, including gastrointestinal, oral (mouth cavity) and ocular, to name a few. The range of illnesses being targeted by microneedles has also increased significantly and includes infectious diseases, pain, diabetes, and allergies for example. Sensing is another upcoming application of microneedles. Innovation in microneedle fabrication continues to not only push the drug-carrying and delivering capacity of microneedles, but also making mass manufacturing feasible and economical. There is also increased activity in the commercial sector with different companies attempting to bring the first microneedle-based medical device to market.
Guest Edited by Ester Caffarel-Salvador (Scientific Consultant, USA), Ryan Donnelly (Queen’s University Belfast, UK), Harvinder Gill (Texas Tech University, USA) and Hyungil Jung (Yonsei University, Korea), this themed collection in Biomaterials Science and Journal of Materials Chemistry B aims to bring together recent advancements in the field of microneedles, from materials design to application and all that is in between.