Abstract

MICRONEEDLES: A CURRENT AND ADVANCED TOOL FOR TRANSDERMAL DRUG DELIVERY

Saundarya S. Patil*, Mayur K. Rathod, Saloni P. Rajput and Priyanka J. Salunke

ABSTRACT

Transdermal drug delivery utilizing microneedles is becoming more effective, due to problems with oral medication delivery routes. The drug is exposed to stomach acid and digestive enzymes via the gastrointestinal route, which causes denaturation of the substance and poor bioavailability. To improve patient compliance, microneedle transdermal drug administration addresses issues with oral delivery and helps patients who experience pain from injections. Five different forms of microneedles can be generically categorized: solid microneedles, coated microneedles, dissolving microneedles, hollow microneedles, and microneedles that create hydrogels. The various applications and properties of the microneedle are determined by the materials employed in its production. Microneedle arrays offer a better way to administer medications transdermally since they only slightly pierce the stratum corneum barrier of the skin. The study discusses some of the most significant therapeutic drugs used in research, primarily protein pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and small molecule drugs used in regenerative medicine. It also provides an overview of the significance of microneedles.

Keywords: Microneedle, Skin, Transdermal drug delivery, Polymeric needles, COVID-19.