In this focused progress review, the most widely accepted methods of transdermal drug delivery are hypodermic needles, transdermal patches and topical creams. However, microneedles (MNs) (or microneedle arrays) are low-invasive 3D biomedical constructs that bypass the skin barrier and produce systemic and localized pharmacological effects. In the past, biomaterials such as carbohydrates, due to their physicochemical properties, have been extensively used to manufacture microneedles (MNs). Due to their wide range of functional groups, carbohydrates enable the design and development of tunable properties and functionalities. In recent years, numerous microneedle products have emerged on the market, although much research needs to be undertaken to overcome the various challenges before the successful introduction of microneedles into the market. As a result, carbohydrate-based microarrays have a high potential to achieve a future step in sensing, drug delivery, and biologics restitution. In this review, a comprehensive overview of carbohydrates such as hyaluronic acid, chitin, chitosan, chondroitin sulfate, cellulose and starch is discussed systematically. It also discusses the various drug delivery strategies and mechanical properties of biomaterial-based MNs, the progress made so far in the clinical translation of carbohydrate-based MNs, and the promotional opportunities for their commercialization. In conclusion, the article summarizes the future perspectives of carbohydrate-based MNs, which are considered as the new class of topical drug delivery systems.

https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8247/15/2/190/pdf?version=1644472539

Microneedle-Based Natural Polysaccharide for Drug Delivery Systems (DDS): Progress and Challenges

Ionic Liquid Transdermal Delivery System: Progress, Prospects, and Challenges

In the past decade, microneedle-based drug delivery systems showed promising approaches to become suitable and alternative for hypodermic injections and can control agent delivery without side effects compared to conventional approaches. Despite these advantages, the procedure of microfabrication is facing some difficulties. For instance, drug loading method, stability of drugs, and retention time are subjects of debate. Besides, the application of novel refining fabrication methods, types of materials, and instruments are other issues that need further attention. Herein, we tried to summarize recent achievements in controllable drug delivery systems (microneedle patches) in vitro and in vivo settings. In addition, we discussed the influence of delivered drugs on the cellular mechanism and immunization molecular signaling pathways through the intradermal delivery route. Understanding the putative efficiency of microneedle patches in human medicine can help us develop and design sophisticated therapeutic modalities.

Application of microneedle patches for drug delivery; doorstep to novel therapies

Engineering immunity via skin-directed drug delivery devices.

ABSTRACT Introduction Clays provide a powerful drug delivery system due to their specific structure, which can interact with drugs and control their release. Transdermal delivery avoids the transformation of a drug in the liver by dispensing the drug through the skin, avoiding the gastrointestinal tract. Due to ion exchange and the multilayer structure of clay sheets, drugs are entrapped between the sheets, showing this material’s high drug release capacity. Recent studies have shown that the addition of 5 wt% clay is suitable for transdermal delivery applications. Areas covered In this review, we discussed clay-based polymer microneedles, mechanisms of clay-drug interactions, and antimicrobial effects of clays. We also investigated carriers for clay transdermal drug delivery and in vitro drug release from clay-drug composites. In addition, the most important clays, montmorillonite, halloysite, and sepiolite, were compared and discussed. Expert opinion The manufactured product represents an interesting method of sustained drug release through the skin. The duration of drug release can be tuned by modifying the polymer concentration and an appropriate molecular weight in the polymer system. When using clay as a non-polymer transdermal drug carrier, this adjustment is possible by changing the type and concentration of clay.

Microneedles for transdermal drug delivery using clay-based composites

In recent years, an innovative transdermal delivery technology has attracted great interest for its ability to distribute therapeutics and cosmeceuticals for several applications, including vaccines, drugs, and biomolecules for skin-related problems. The advantages of microneedle patch technology have been extensively evaluated in the latest literature; hence, the academic publications in this area are rising exponentially. Like all new technologies, the microneedle patch application has great potential but is not without limitations. In this review, we will discuss the possible limitations by highlighting the areas where a great deal of improvements are required. Emphasising these concerns early on should help scientists and technologists to address the matters in a timely fashion and to use their resources wisely.

Ayhan Çelik

Papers

Microneedles in Drug Delivery: Progress and Challenges