Abstract

CURRENT TRENDS IN MICRONEEDLE TECHNOLOGY FOR TRANSDERMAL DRUG DELIVERY: A REVIEW

Abhirami P. P.*, Haritha K. K., Anagha U. V., Priyanka P., Vimal K. R., Nethaji Ramalingam

ABSTRACT

Transdermal drug delivery systems (TDDS) have evolved from conventional patches to highly advanced microneedle platforms capable of overcoming the stratum corneum barrier. Microneedles, including solid, coated, dissolving, hollow, hydrogel, and stimuli-responsive types, provide versatile and minimally invasive approaches for the controlled delivery of drugs and vaccines. The selection of materials and continuous innovations in fabrication techniques—such as deep X-ray lithography, atomized spraying, droplet-born air blowing, and pulling pipette methods—enable the production of microneedles with improved precision, strength, and biocompatibility. These advancements enhance therapeutic efficiency, patient compliance, and broaden the scope of clinical applications. Overall, microneedles represent a promising platform for next-generation transdermal drug delivery, offering safe, effective, and patient-friendlyalternatives to traditional administration routes.

Keywords: Transdermal drug delivery, Microneedles, Fabrication techniques, Stimuli-responsive systems, Patient compliance, Drug delivery systems.