Recent Advances in Microneedle Patches for Wound Healing

Document Type : Review article

Authors

1 Department of Nanobiotechnology and Biomimetics, Faculty of Life Science Engineering, College of Interdisciplinary Science and Technology, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

2 Department of Medical Nanotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran

10.22038/mjms.2025.80281.4631

Abstract

Chronic wounds are typically covered with a layer of hardened skin and necrotic tissue, which significantly reduces the bioavailability of drug delivery due to the presence of various enzymes in the wound environment. Microneedle patches (MPs) can facilitate effective drug delivery by creating micron-sized channels within the skin, thereby enhancing the therapeutic effects of administered drugs or active substances. Given their advantages, including minimal invasiveness, painlessness, and ease of use, microneedle patches have been extensively studied in the field of biomedicine. This study systematically examines the wound healing process, encompassing haemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and remodelling, along with its implications. It also explores the functionality, types (solid, coated, dissolving, hollow, and hydrogel), and benefits of microneedle patches (MPs). Furthermore, it discusses preparation methods (mold or mold-free), engineering design, and performance optimisation for the fabrication of medical MPs, as well as characterisation and diagnostic and therapeutic applications of MPs. Finally, the challenges and future perspectives regarding microneedle patches are addressed.

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