Advances in Transdermal Drug Delivery Systems: From Patches to Microneedles

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Alfisha Khan
Pragati Mishra
Deepika Gupta
Poonam Kumari

Abstract

Microneedle technology has emerged as a groundbreaking innovation in transdermal drug delivery systems (TDDS), offering a less invasive method to administer drugs through the skin. These micron-sized needles penetrate the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of the skin, to deliver therapeutic agents ranging from vaccines to insulin and biologics. The four main types of microneedles—solid, coated, dissolvable, and hollow—each serve unique purposes in optimizing drug delivery efficiency and patient comfort.
Solid microneedles are typically made of metals like stainless steel and titanium, offering mechanical strength for precise skin penetration. Coated microneedles use a coating that dissolves upon insertion, releasing the drug into the skin. Dissolvable microneedles are made from biodegradable polymers like polylactic acid (PLA) and polyglycolic acid (PGA), designed to dissolve and release drugs into the skin tissue. Hollow microneedles function similarly to hypodermic needles, allowing for the injection of fluids into deeper layers of the skin.
Advantages of microneedle technology over traditional TDDS include enhanced drug absorption, rapid onset of action, and improved patient compliance due to reduced pain and discomfort. Recent advancements in microneedle fabrication techniques, such as micro-molding, photolithography, and 3D printing, have enabled precise control over needle design and scalability in manufacturing.
Clinical applications of microneedles span various fields, including vaccination, diabetes management through insulin delivery, and cosmetic treatments for enhancing skin appearance. These applications underscore the versatility and potential of microneedle technology to revolutionize drug delivery by overcoming barriers like skin impermeability and offering novel routes for therapeutic administration.
In conclusion, microneedle technology represents a transformative approach in TDDS, promising to enhance therapeutic efficacy, patient convenience, and healthcare accessibility. Ongoing research focuses on further refining microneedle designs and exploring smart microneedles for real-time monitoring and personalized medicine applications, thereby paving the way for future innovations in medical treatments.

Article Details

How to Cite
Advances in Transdermal Drug Delivery Systems: From Patches to Microneedles. (2024). Journal of Drug Discovery and Health Sciences, 1(02), 105-112. https://doi.org/10.21590/jddhs.01.02.06
Section
Review Article

How to Cite

Advances in Transdermal Drug Delivery Systems: From Patches to Microneedles. (2024). Journal of Drug Discovery and Health Sciences, 1(02), 105-112. https://doi.org/10.21590/jddhs.01.02.06

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