Emerging bioactive microneedle platforms for disease management: From cutaneous disorders to systemic therapeutics.
Beyond their conventional role as passive transdermal delivery vehicles, microneedle (MN) platforms now function as active bio-interfaces capable of modulating therapeutic responses in both localized and systemic diseases. This review summarizes recent advances in MN technology, focusing on the transition from traditional matrix-controlled delivery to bioactive microneedles. Although localized applications at barrier surfaces, such as treating cutaneous disorders and mucosal lesions, remain a fundamental focus, this review emphasizes the application of MNs in complex chronic metabolic diseases (e.g., diabetes), oncology (e.g., melanoma and glioblastoma), and deep-tissue degenerative diseases of the cardiovascular, nervous, and musculoskeletal systems. Integrating stimuli-responsive materials, including metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), aggregation-induced emission luminogens (AIEgens), and smart hydrogels, with external physical stimuli enables autonomous, closed-loop interventions, thereby advancing personalized systemic therapy. Furthermore, we summarize recent progress in applying MNs to non-traditional sites and deep-tissue repair. Finally, rather than focusing solely on phenotypic efficacy, we discuss key translational challenges, including manufacturing scalability, biosafety, and regulatory pathways, to guide future clinical translation.
Authors
Xiang Xiang, Gong Gong, Liu Liu, Zhu Zhu, Zhang Zhang, Li Li, Luo Luo, Su Su, Yeung Yeung
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