Microneedles: An Innovative Drug Delivery System

Year : 2025 | Volume : 12 | Issue : 02 | Page : 60 67
    By

    Jain A. Vinod,

  • Jagtap U. Sanjay,

  • More K. Arvind,

  • Sulbha G. Patil,

  1. Student, B. Pharm, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, P.S.G.V.P., Mandal’s College of Pharmacy, Shahada, Maharashtra, India
  2. Student, B. Pharm, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, P.S.G.V.P., Mandal’s College of Pharmacy, Shahada, Maharashtra, India
  3. Student, B. Pharm, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, P.S.G.V.P., Mandal’s College of Pharmacy, Shahada, Maharashtra, India
  4. Associate Professor, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, P.S.G.V.P., Mandal’s College of Pharmacy, Shahada, Maharashtra, India

Abstract

Microneedles represent a groundbreaking innovation in drug delivery systems, offering a transformative alternative to conventional hypodermic needles and transdermal patches. This advanced technology combines the precision and efficacy of needle-based delivery with the convenience and pain-free nature of patches, creating a minimally invasive platform that addresses many limitations of traditional drug administration. Microneedles are designed to penetrate the stratum corneum – the skin’s outermost layer – without reaching pain-sensitive nerves or blood vessels, enabling efficient drug diffusion while eliminating the discomfort and risks associated with deep tissue penetration. This innovative system has diverse applications, ranging from preventive healthcare, such as vaccine delivery, to chronic disease management, localized pain relief, and cosmetic enhancements. Microneedles are particularly advantageous in delivering drugs that are poorly absorbed orally or unstable in the gastrointestinal tract, such as peptides, proteins, and nucleic acids. They also enhance patient compliance by reducing the need for trained healthcare professionals and enabling self-administration, which is especially valuable in remote or resource-limited settings. This review explores the various types of microneedles – solid, coated, dissolvable, and hollow each tailored for specific therapeutic needs. It examines critical factors influencing their design, including drug selection criteria, material composition, and fabrication techniques, such as laser cutting, molding, and 3D printing. Rigorous evaluation methods, including mechanical strength tests, drug release profiling, and biocompatibility assessments, are discussed to highlight the importance of ensuring safety and efficacy in clinical applications. Additionally, the review highlights the unique advantages of microneedle technology, including controlled drug release, targeted delivery, and reduced infection risks, while acknowledging key challenges, such as limited drug load, manufacturing complexities, and regulatory hurdles. Recent advancements, including smart microneedles for real-time biosensing and gene therapy applications, demonstrate the potential of this technology to revolutionize personalized medicine and disease management. As research continues to overcome existing limitations, microneedle technology is poised to reshape the future of drug delivery. By bridging the gap between patient-centric care and cutting-edge innovation, microneedles have the potential to unlock new therapeutic possibilities, improve global health outcomes, and usher in the next generation of sophisticated drug delivery systems.

Keywords: Microneedle, drug delivery, traditional methods, technology, painless drug

[This article belongs to Research & Reviews: A Journal of Drug Design & Discovery ]

How to cite this article:
Jain A. Vinod, Jagtap U. Sanjay, More K. Arvind, Sulbha G. Patil. Microneedles: An Innovative Drug Delivery System. Research & Reviews: A Journal of Drug Design & Discovery. 2025; 12(02):60-67.
How to cite this URL:
Jain A. Vinod, Jagtap U. Sanjay, More K. Arvind, Sulbha G. Patil. Microneedles: An Innovative Drug Delivery System. Research & Reviews: A Journal of Drug Design & Discovery. 2025; 12(02):60-67. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/rrjoddd/article=2025/view=228493


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Regular Issue Subscription Original Research
Volume 12
Issue 02
Received 29/04/2025
Accepted 12/06/2025
Published 25/07/2025
Publication Time 87 Days
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