Biodegradable gelatin methacryloyl microneedles: a new paradigm in transdermal drug delivery.

Abstract

Microneedles (MN) have emerged as a promising transdermal drug delivery technology that offers advantages such as minimal invasiveness, high biocompatibility, and biodegradability. Gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA)-based MNs have gained attention because of their flexibility, mechanical strength, and modification capabilities, which support controlled drug release. The synthesis process of GelMA involves crosslinking using UV light, resulting in a stable hydrogel structure that supports therapeutic applications, such as wound healing, cancer therapy, and glucose monitoring. However, challenges such as skin penetration strength, drug-loading capacity, and regulatory standards still require solutions. Material and design innovations, particularly the combination of GelMA with nanomaterials and natural polymers, have the potential to enhance the MN efficiency and expand its applications in various medical fields. This review explores the latest developments in GelMA-based MN design and their future potential as reliable therapeutic devices.