Microneedle Arrays Combined With Nanomedicine Approaches for Transdermal Delivery of Therapeutics

The document reviews the use of microneedle arrays (MNs) in combination with nanoparticle (NP) technologies for transdermal drug delivery (TDD), focusing on their application in cancer treatment, immunotherapy, photothermal and photodynamic therapy, peptide/protein vaccination, gene therapy, and diabetes management. It highlights the advantages of MNs, such as minimally invasive and painless administration, and the ability to deliver both hydrophilic and lipophilic drugs. The review also discusses the challenges faced by MNs, including the need for further research on the safety and biological fate of NPs, the variability in micropore closure times among different skin types, and the high production costs and regulatory requirements for MNs. Despite these challenges, MNs combined with NPs have shown promise in pre-clinical studies and limited clinical trials, suggesting potential for improving the quality of life for patients with various conditions. However, more studies are needed to fully exploit their therapeutic and diagnostic potentials and to ensure their safety and efficacy across diverse populations.