Emerging bioactive microneedle platforms for disease management: From cutaneous disorders to systemic therapeutics.
Microneedle platforms are evolving from passive delivery systems to active therapeutic interfaces, offering potential in systemic disease management but facing significant translational challenges.
Where it sits
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This review explores recent advancements in microneedle platforms for both localized and systemic disease management. It highlights the transition from traditional delivery methods to bioactive microneedles capable of modulating therapeutic responses. The review also addresses translational challenges such as scalability and biosafety.
Abstract
Beyond their conventional role as passive transdermal delivery vehicles, microneedle (MN) platforms now function as active bio-interfaces capable of modulating therapeutic responses in both localized and systemic diseases. This review summarizes recent advances in MN technology, focusing on the transition from traditional matrix-controlled delivery to bioactive microneedles. Although localized applications at barrier surfaces, such as treating cutaneous disorders and mucosal lesions, remain a fundamental focus, this review emphasizes the application of MNs in complex chronic metabolic diseases (e.g., diabetes), oncology (e.g., melanoma and glioblastoma), and deep-tissue degenerative diseases of the cardiovascular, nervous, and musculoskeletal systems. Integrating stimuli-responsive materials, including metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), aggregation-induced emission luminogens (AIEgens), and smart hydrogels, with external physical stimuli enables autonomous, closed-loop interventions, thereby advancing personalized systemic therapy. Furthermore, we summarize recent progress in applying MNs to non-traditional sites and deep-tissue repair. Finally, rather than focusing solely on phenotypic efficacy, we discuss key translational challenges, including manufacturing scalability, biosafety, and regulatory pathways, to guide future clinical translation.
Background
Microneedle platforms have traditionally been used for passive transdermal delivery, but recent advancements have enabled their use as active bio-interfaces. This development is significant as it expands the potential applications of microneedles from localized treatments to systemic therapies. The review is important for understanding how these technologies can be applied to manage complex diseases and the challenges that need to be addressed for clinical translation.
Methods
Not reported in abstract.
Results
Not reported in abstract.
Interpretation
The review highlights the potential of microneedle platforms to revolutionize disease management by enabling personalized and systemic therapies. However, it also underscores significant translational challenges, such as ensuring biosafety and achieving manufacturing scalability. These factors are crucial for moving from experimental to clinical applications.
Key findings
- Focus on complex chronic metabolic diseases like diabetes.
- Applications in oncology, including melanoma and glioblastoma.
- Integration of stimuli-responsive materials for personalized therapy.
- Discussion of manufacturing scalability and biosafety challenges.
Limitations
- Review article, no original data.
- Focus on potential applications, not outcomes.
- Translational challenges discussed, not resolved.