Application of hydrogel microneedles in the oral cavity

Abstract

Microneedles are a transdermal drug delivery system in which the needle punctures the epithelium to deliver the drug directly to deep tissues, thus avoiding the influence of the first‐pass effect of the gastrointestinal tract and minimizing the likelihood of pain induction. Hydrogel microneedles are microneedles prepared from hydrogels that have good biocompatibility, controllable mechanical properties, and controllable drug release and can be modified to achieve environmental control of drug release in vivo. The large epithelial tissue in the oral cavity is an ideal site for drug delivery via microneedles. Hydrogel microneedles can overcome mucosal hindrances to delivering drugs to deep tissues; this prevents humidity and a highly dynamic environment in the oral cavity from influencing the efficacy of the drugs and enables them to obtain better therapeutic effects. This article analyzes the materials and advantages of common hydrogel microneedles and reviews the application of hydrogel microneedles in the oral cavity.

Swellable Microneedles in Drug Delivery and Diagnostics

“…Hydrogel microneedles, made from biocompatible hydrogels, offer controllable mechanical properties and drug release, and they can be modified for environmental control of drug release in vivo. The oral cavity’s large epithelial tissue is ideal for this method, as hydrogel microneedles can overcome mucosal barriers, ensuring drug efficacy despite the humid and dynamic environment [ 32 ].…”