Hydrogel-Forming Microneedles for Transdermal Drug Delivery

Hydrogel-forming microneedles (HFMNs) offer a promising approach for transdermal drug delivery (TDD) by providing a minimally invasive method to penetrate the stratum corneum and deliver drugs effectively without affecting blood vessels and nerves. HFMNs are characterized by their safety, non-toxicity, high drug loading capacity, and controlled drug release, making them suitable for long-term and multiple drug delivery applications. Despite their potential, the transition of HFMNs from research to clinical application faces several challenges. The review highlights the advantages of HFMNs in TDD, their evaluation methods, and their potential applications in disease treatment, emphasizing the need for further development to overcome existing barriers to clinical use.