Abstract

A REVIEW ON BIODEGRADABLE MICRONEEDLES FOR TRANSDERMAL DRUG DELIVERY: ADVANCES, APPLICATIONS AND FUTURE PERSPECTIVES

G. Sowmya, Dr. M. Suchitra*, Dr. Yadala Prapoorna Chandra

ABSTRACT

Biodegradable microneedles (MNs) are an innovative and eco-friendly technology for transdermal drug delivery. Unlike traditional injections or patches, MNs offer a painless, minimally invasive method to deliver therapeutic agents through the skin. Made from biodegradable polymers such as polylactic acid, polyvinylpyrrolidone, and hyaluronic acid, these micron-scale needles penetrate the stratum corneum without stimulating pain receptors. Once inserted, they dissolve or degrade safely within the skin, releasing drugs in a controlled manner and eliminating sharp waste. Modern fabrication techniques including micro molding, 3D printing, and drawing lithography allow precise control over microneedle geometry, mechanical properties, and drug release profiles. This versatility enables MNs to be tailored for various therapeutic applications. For chronic diseases, such as diabetes, MNs offer painless insulin administration, enhancing patientcompliance. They are also being explored for hormone therapy, cancer treatment, pain management, and cosmetic dermatology, including anti-aging and scar reduction. By combining safety, ease of use, and environmental benefits, biodegradable microneedles represent a major advancement in drug delivery, offering a promising alternative to conventional methods.

Keywords: Dissolving microneedles, Polymeric microneedles, Microfabrication, Biocompatible polymers, 3D printing.