Swellable Microneedles in Drug Delivery and Diagnostics

The document reviews the advancements in swellable microneedles (MNs) for drug delivery and diagnostics, emphasizing their potential in non-invasive health monitoring and disease management. These microneedles, often made from hydrogels, enable controlled drug release and biomarker extraction, improving therapeutic outcomes for conditions like alopecia, diabetes, and psoriasis. Innovations include glucose-responsive insulin delivery systems, hydrogel patches for hair regrowth, and microneedles for vaccine delivery. Despite their promise, challenges such as physiological responsiveness, long-term stability, and manufacturing scalability persist, necessitating further research and clinical validation to enhance patient compliance and treatment efficacy.