Polymeric microneedle advancements in macromolecule drug delivery: current trends, challenges, and future perspectives.

Abstract

Microneedles (MNs) offer a transformative solution for delivering macromolecules, including proteins, RNA, and peptides. These are critical in treating complex diseases but face significant challenges such as immunogenicity, poor stability, high molecular weight, and delivery efficiency. Unlike conventional methods, MNs efficiently bypass biological barriers like the stratum corneum, enabling precise and minimally invasive transdermal drug delivery. This review explores various MN types such as solid, coated, hollow, hydrogel-forming, and dissolving and their therapeutic applications in cancer immunotherapy, diabetes management, and osteoporosis treatment. For instance, dissolving MNs have been employed for transdermal insulin delivery, enhancing patient compliance and therapeutic outcomes. Similarly, hydrogel MNs have shown promise in sustained drug release for immunotherapy applications. By addressing cost and scalability issues, polymeric MNs demonstrate significant potential for clinical translation, paving the way for innovations in macromolecule delivery, diagnostics, and personalised medicine. This review underscores the pivotal role of MNs in redefining drug delivery systems, offering improved efficacy, patient comfort, and accessibility.