Abstract
T Transdermal microneedle (MN) patches are a promising
tool used to transport a wide variety of active compounds into the skin.
To serve as a substitute for common hypodermic needles, MNs must
pierce the human stratum corneum (~10 to 20 µm), without rupturing
or bending during penetration. This ensures that the cargo is released at
the predetermined place and time. Therefore, the ability of MN patches
to sufciently pierce the skin is a crucial requirement. In the current
review, the pain signal and its management during application of MNs
and typical hypodermic needles are presented and compared. This is followed by a discussion on mechanical analysis and skin models used for
insertion tests before application to clinical practice. Factors that afect
insertion (e.g., geometry, material composition and cross-linking of MNs), along with recent advancements in developed strategies (e.g.,
insertion responsive patches and 3D printed biomimetic MNs using two-photon lithography) to improve the skin penetration are highlighted
to provide a backdrop for future research.
tool used to transport a wide variety of active compounds into the skin.
To serve as a substitute for common hypodermic needles, MNs must
pierce the human stratum corneum (~10 to 20 µm), without rupturing
or bending during penetration. This ensures that the cargo is released at
the predetermined place and time. Therefore, the ability of MN patches
to sufciently pierce the skin is a crucial requirement. In the current
review, the pain signal and its management during application of MNs
and typical hypodermic needles are presented and compared. This is followed by a discussion on mechanical analysis and skin models used for
insertion tests before application to clinical practice. Factors that afect
insertion (e.g., geometry, material composition and cross-linking of MNs), along with recent advancements in developed strategies (e.g.,
insertion responsive patches and 3D printed biomimetic MNs using two-photon lithography) to improve the skin penetration are highlighted
to provide a backdrop for future research.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Article number | 93 |
| Pages (from-to) | 1-41 |
| Number of pages | 41 |
| Journal | Nano-Micro Letters |
| Volume | 13 |
| Early online date | 16 Mar 2021 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published online - 16 Mar 2021 |
Keywords
- Insertion responsive
- Implantable microneedles
- Skin indentation
- Transdermal microneedles
- Pain management
