Recent Advances in Multifunctional Microneedle Patches for Wound Healing and Health Monitoring

Abstract

Benefiting from the advantages of minimal invasiveness, painlessness, and ease to use, microneedle patches (MPs) have been extensively studied in the biomedical field through a physical penetration enhancement pathway. This study systematically summarizes the preparation methods, function optimization, and diagnostic and therapeutic applications of MPs. First of all, the raw materials and methods commonly used in different preparation processes for MPs are highlighted. Then, the corresponding solutions to the problems facing MPs, such as poor tissue adhesion, weak mechanical strength, and low drug delivery utilization in their development and application, are emphasized, which serve as approaches to improve the performance of MPs. Subsequently, the latest applications of MPs for wound healing and health monitoring in recent years are summarized in‐depth, revealing the unique merits of MPs in diagnosis and treatment. Finally, the key points for the urgent improvement of MPs in clinical translation and commercial application are deliberated, in order to inspire the future direction of multifunctional and intelligent MPs.

Poly(2‐Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate) Hydrogel‐Based Microneedles for Metformin Release

“…The tunable nature of the microneedles (i.e., materials from which they are produced, microneedle morphology, etc.) offer opportunities to control the release kinetics, and the integration of such microneedle arrays within devices capable of sensing analytes [ 75 , 76 , 77 , 78 ] that are biomarkers of medical conditions and triggering the delivery of the drug from the microneedle arrays, [ 18 , 30 , 71 , 79 , 80 , 81 ] offers long term potential for controlling the delivery of the drug in line with the chronobiology of the condition being treated that offers significant potential savings to healthcare systems worldwide. Such microneedles are one of a host of potential methods of non‐invasive delivery technologies [ 82 , 83 ] being developed by multidisciplinary research and development teams of people based in academic, industrial, and clinical settings will be involved to translate unique technical know‐how to the benefit of humanity, [ 6 ] and the interest in the application of microneedles for biomedical applications is demonstrated both by the volume of academic literature produced, [ 12 , 84 ] and moreover the fact that there are currently >500 entries including the term microneedles in their title, abstract or keyword in the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials.…”

Wearable Clinic: From Microneedle‐Based Sensors to Next‐Generation Healthcare Platforms

“…[123][124][125] The biomedical applications of microneedles on wound healing and monitoring are also extensively discussed. [126][127] The tremendous potential of microneedle-based devices with therapeutic functions would be able to answer many desires arising for allin-one theranostic systems, which can bridge the gap between wearable sensing bioelectronics and the next-generation healthcare platforms. Therefore, recent advances in therapeutic microneedles are highlighted in the section.…”

Functional Microneedle Patch for Wound Healing and Biological Diagnosis and Treatment

“…The pH value and inflammatory factors of wound secretions are closely related to wound healing, [ 85 ] and real‐time effective monitoring of these indicators is bound to better tailor specific targeted treatment plans according to disease changes. [ 86 ] If it can integrate the functions of promoting wound healing and monitoring the status of the wound, it will greatly facilitate the timely healing of skin wounds. Due to its excellent biocompatibility, injectable, and good self‐healing ability, hydrogels have gradually become the leader in dressing in recent years.…”