Microneedle Patches for Transdermal Drug Delivery: Design, Fabrication and Applications

Author

V. V. Lakshmi, Pappala Hasya, Gorle Mahesh

Abstract

 Transdermal drug delivery systems (TDDS) offer advantages including avoidance of first-pass metabolism and improved compliance, but transport is restricted by stratum corneum (SC) barrier. Microneedle patches (MNPs) comprising 25–2000 µm projections have emerged as minimally invasive platform that disrupts SC to create transient pathways for systemic and localized delivery of small molecules, proteins, vaccines and biologics with reduced pain and infection risk.

MNPs are classified into solid, coated, hollow and dissolving types based on architecture and release mechanism. Materials include silicon, metals (SS 304/316L, titanium), glass, ceramics and biodegradable polymers like hyaluronic acid, PVA, PVP. Geometrical optimization (150–1500 µm length, 50–250 µm width) influences penetration efficiency.

Fabrication methods such as micromolding, photolithography, laser ablation, atomized spraying and droplet-born air blowing (DAB) determine dimensional accuracy, mechanical strength and scalability. Evaluation includes dimensional, mechanical, in-vitro permeation and in-vivo studies. Despite limitations of dose variability and limited loading, MNPs show broad applications in vaccination, insulin, anesthesia, cosmetology and cancer therapy, representing a promising next-generation transdermal technology.

Keywords

Microneedle patches, Transdermal delivery, Stratum corneum, Dissolving microneedles, Fabrication

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References

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