Poly (Lactic-Co-Glycolic Acid)-Based Microneedles for Drug Delivery Across Different Biological Barriers

December 2025 in “ International Journal of Pharmaceutics ”

Shelly Keisar, Qonita Kurnia Anjani, Abraham M. Abraham, Lalitkumar K. Vora, Eneko Larrañeta, Ryan F. Donnelly, Aiman Abu Ammar

poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) microneedles drug delivery biodegradability biocompatibility sustained drug release skin chronic conditions cosmetic applications PLGA MNs

TLDR PLGA-based microneedles show promise for painless, long-term drug delivery but need design and safety improvements.

This review discusses the use of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA)-based microneedles (MNs) for drug delivery across various biological barriers. MNs are minimally invasive and can deliver drugs through the skin without causing pain or bleeding. The focus is on PLGA due to its biodegradability and biocompatibility, making it suitable for sustained drug release. The review highlights the potential of PLGA-based MNs in chronic conditions and long-term delivery of potent agents. Despite their advantages, challenges remain in optimizing MN design and addressing safety concerns. The future of PLGA-based MNs looks promising, with expanding applications in medical and cosmetic fields.

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