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Zhu L, Qiao G, Gao H, Jiang A, Zhang L, Wang X. Enhancing melanoma therapy with hydrogel microneedles. Front Oncol 2025; 15:1590534. [PMID: 40313257 PMCID: PMC12043666 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2025.1590534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2025] [Accepted: 03/31/2025] [Indexed: 05/03/2025] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is highly invasive and resistant to conventional treatments, accounting for nearly 75% of skin cancer-related deaths globally. Traditional therapies, such as chemotherapy and immunotherapy, often exhibit limited efficacy and are associated with significant side effects due to systemic drug exposure. Microneedles (MNs), as an emerging drug delivery system, offer multiple advantages, including safety, painlessness, minimal invasiveness, and controlled drug release. Among these, hydrogel microneedles (HMNs) stand out due to their extracellular matrix-like structure and swelling-induced continuous hydrogel channels, which enable the direct delivery of therapeutic agents into the tumor microenvironment (TME). This approach enhances drug bioavailability while reducing systemic toxicity, establishing HMNs as a promising platform for melanoma treatment. This review highlights recent advancements in HMNs for melanoma therapy, focusing on their applications in biomarker extraction for early diagnosis and their role in supporting multimodal treatment strategies, such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, phototherapy, targeted therapy, and combination therapy. Furthermore, the current matrix materials and fabrication techniques for HMNs are discussed. Finally, the limitations of HMNs in melanoma treatment are critically analyzed, and recommendations for future research and development are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lanqi Zhu
- The First Clinical Medical College, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Guanlin Qiao
- The First Clinical Medical College, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Huiyang Gao
- The First Clinical Medical College, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Aowei Jiang
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Linan Zhang
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Xiaobing Wang
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
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2
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Omidian H, Dey Chowdhury S. Multifunctional Hydrogel Microneedles (HMNs) in Drug Delivery and Diagnostics. Gels 2025; 11:206. [PMID: 40136911 PMCID: PMC11942156 DOI: 10.3390/gels11030206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2025] [Revised: 03/05/2025] [Accepted: 03/13/2025] [Indexed: 03/27/2025] Open
Abstract
Hydrogel microneedles (HMNs) have emerged as a transformative platform for minimally invasive drug delivery and biosensing, offering enhanced bioavailability, controlled drug release, and real-time biomarker detection. By leveraging swelling hydrogels, nanomaterial integration, and stimuli-responsive properties, HMNs provide precision medicine capabilities across diverse therapeutic and diagnostic applications. However, challenges remain in mechanical stability, as hydrogel-based MNs must balance flexibility with sufficient strength for skin penetration. Drug retention and controlled release require optimization to prevent premature diffusion and ensure sustained therapeutic effects. Additionally, biosensing accuracy is influenced by variability in interstitial fluid extraction and signal transduction. Clinical translation is hindered by regulatory hurdles, scalability concerns, and the need for extensive safety validation in human trials. This review critically examines the key materials, fabrication techniques, functional properties, and testing frameworks of HMNs while addressing these limitations. Furthermore, we explore future research directions in smart wearable MNs, AI-assisted biosensing, and hybrid drug-device platforms to optimize transdermal medicine. Overcoming these barriers will drive the clinical adoption of HMNs, paving the way for next-generation patient-centered therapeutics and diagnostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hossein Omidian
- Barry and Judy Silverman College of Pharmacy, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33328, USA
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Golshirazi A, Mohammadzadeh M, Labbaf S. The Synergistic Potential of Hydrogel Microneedles and Nanomaterials: Breaking Barriers in Transdermal Therapy. Macromol Biosci 2025; 25:e2400228. [PMID: 39195571 DOI: 10.1002/mabi.202400228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2024] [Revised: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024]
Abstract
The stratum corneum, which acts as a strong barrier against external agents, presents a significant challenge to transdermal drug delivery. In this regard, microneedle (MN) patches, designed as modern systems for drug delivery via permeation through the skin with the ability to pass through the stratum corneum, are known to be convenient, painless, and effective. In fact, MN have shown significant breakthroughs in transdermal drug delivery, and among the various types, hydrogel MN (HMNs) have demonstrated desirable inherent properties. Despite advancements, issues such as limited loading capacity, uncontrolled drug release rates, and non-uniform therapeutic approaches persist. Conversely, nanomaterials (NMs) have shown significant promise in medical applications, however, their efficacy and applicability are constrained by challenges including poor stability, low bioavailability, limited payload capacity, and rapid clearance by the immune system. Incorporation of NMs within HMNs offers new prospects to address the challenges associated with HMNs and NMs. This combination can provide a promising field of research for improved and effective delivery of therapeutic agents and mitigate certain adverse effects, addressing current clinical concerns. The current review highlights the use of NMs in HMNs for various therapeutic and diagnostic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atefeh Golshirazi
- Department of materials engineering, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan, 84156-83111, Iran
| | - Mahsa Mohammadzadeh
- Department of materials engineering, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan, 84156-83111, Iran
| | - Sheyda Labbaf
- Department of materials engineering, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan, 84156-83111, Iran
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4
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Abid Al-Wahaab ZM, Al-Mayahy MH. Microneedles as a potential platform for improving antibiotic delivery to bacterial infections. Heliyon 2024; 10:e37173. [PMID: 39286069 PMCID: PMC11403078 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e37173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2023] [Revised: 07/15/2024] [Accepted: 08/28/2024] [Indexed: 09/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Bacterial infections are mainly managed by the administration of antibiotics, which are either cytotoxic or cytostatic to microbes. In some cases, it is inconvenient to treat infections caused by bacteria using the traditional oral route for antibiotic administration. This can be due to the limited oral bioavailability of antibiotics, their gastrointestinal tract (GIT) adverse effects, and the increased possibility of the appearance of resistant strains. In addition, the fact that many populations are needle-phobic restricts the switch from the oral to the parenteral route. Furthermore, poor drug permeation throughout the stratum corneum of topically applied antibiotics causes low systemic bioavailability. Therefore, microneedles (MNs) have emerged as viable medicinal devices for the delivery of antibiotics, either for local or systemic effects. MNs represent a minimally invasive, painless way of administration that can be self-administered by the patient without the need of medical professionals. This review has specifically focused on MNs as a promising approach for the delivery of antibiotics; it has discussed the different types of MNs, their advantages, and possible limitations for the delivery of antibiotics. Recent studies on the incorporation of antibiotics into various types of MNs, either for topical or transdermal delivery are highlighted, and finally, we present the conclusion and future perspectives.
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Ji M, Zhan F, Qiu X, Liu H, Liu X, Bu P, Zhou B, Serda M, Feng Q. Research Progress of Hydrogel Microneedles in Wound Management. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2024; 10:4771-4790. [PMID: 38982708 PMCID: PMC11322915 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.4c00972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2024] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
Microneedles are a novel drug delivery system that offers advantages such as safety, painlessness, minimally invasive administration, simplicity of use, and controllable drug delivery. As a type of polymer microneedle with a three-dimensional network structure, hydrogel microneedles (HMNs) possess excellent biocompatibility and biodegradability and encapsulate various therapeutic drugs while maintaining drug activity, thus attracting significant attention. Recently, they have been widely employed to promote wound healing and have demonstrated favorable therapeutic effects. Although there are reviews about HMNs, few of them focus on wound management. Herein, we present a comprehensive overview of the design and preparation methods of HMNs, with a particular emphasis on their application status in wound healing, including acute wound healing, infected wound healing, diabetic wound healing, and scarless wound healing. Finally, we examine the advantages and limitations of HMNs in wound management and provide suggestions for future research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Ji
- Department
of Orthopedics, Chongqing University Three Gorges Hospital, School
of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing 404000, China
| | - Fangbiao Zhan
- Department
of Orthopedics, Chongqing University Three Gorges Hospital, School
of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing 404000, China
| | - Xingan Qiu
- Department
of Orthopedics, Chongqing University Three Gorges Hospital, School
of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing 404000, China
- Key
Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Educations,
Collage of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Hong Liu
- Department
of Orthopedics, Chongqing University Three Gorges Hospital, School
of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing 404000, China
| | - Xuezhe Liu
- Key
Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Educations,
Collage of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Pengzhen Bu
- Key
Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Educations,
Collage of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Bikun Zhou
- Key
Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Educations,
Collage of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Maciej Serda
- Institute
of Chemistry, University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice 40-006, Poland
| | - Qian Feng
- Key
Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Educations,
Collage of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
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Omidian H, Dey Chowdhury S. Swellable Microneedles in Drug Delivery and Diagnostics. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:791. [PMID: 38931458 PMCID: PMC11206711 DOI: 10.3390/ph17060791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2024] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
This manuscript explores the transformative potential of swellable microneedles (MNs) in drug delivery and diagnostics, addressing critical needs in medical treatment and monitoring. Innovations in hydrogel-integrated MN arrays facilitate controlled drug release, thereby expanding treatment options for chronic diseases and conditions that require precise dosage control. The review covers challenges, such as scalability, patient compliance, and manufacturing processes, as well as achievements in advanced manufacturing, biocompatibility, and versatile applications. Nonetheless, limitations in physiological responsiveness and long-term stability remain, necessitating further research in material innovation and integration with digital technologies. Future directions focus on expanding biomedical applications, material advancements, and regulatory considerations for widespread clinical adoption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hossein Omidian
- Barry and Judy Silverman College of Pharmacy, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33328, USA;
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He Y, He D, Fan L, Ren S, Wang L, Sun J. Application of hydrogel microneedles in the oral cavity. Biopolymers 2024; 115:e23573. [PMID: 38506560 DOI: 10.1002/bip.23573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Microneedles are a transdermal drug delivery system in which the needle punctures the epithelium to deliver the drug directly to deep tissues, thus avoiding the influence of the first-pass effect of the gastrointestinal tract and minimizing the likelihood of pain induction. Hydrogel microneedles are microneedles prepared from hydrogels that have good biocompatibility, controllable mechanical properties, and controllable drug release and can be modified to achieve environmental control of drug release in vivo. The large epithelial tissue in the oral cavity is an ideal site for drug delivery via microneedles. Hydrogel microneedles can overcome mucosal hindrances to delivering drugs to deep tissues; this prevents humidity and a highly dynamic environment in the oral cavity from influencing the efficacy of the drugs and enables them to obtain better therapeutic effects. This article analyzes the materials and advantages of common hydrogel microneedles and reviews the application of hydrogel microneedles in the oral cavity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiyao He
- Graduate School of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Dawei He
- Department of Periodontics and Oral Mucosa Disease, Dalian Stomatological Hospital, Dalian, China
| | - Lin Fan
- Department of Periodontics and Oral Mucosa Disease, Dalian Stomatological Hospital, Dalian, China
| | - Song Ren
- Department of Periodontics and Oral Mucosa Disease, Dalian Stomatological Hospital, Dalian, China
| | - Lin Wang
- Department of Periodontics and Oral Mucosa Disease, Dalian Stomatological Hospital, Dalian, China
| | - Jiang Sun
- Department of Periodontics and Oral Mucosa Disease, Dalian Stomatological Hospital, Dalian, China
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Chen Z, Zhou W, Wei Y, Shi L, Zhang Z, Dadgar M, Zhu G, Zhang G. Preparation and performance of a stimuli-responsive drug delivery system: novel light-triggered temperature-sensitive drug-loaded microcapsules. J Mater Chem B 2023; 11:9757-9764. [PMID: 37807767 DOI: 10.1039/d3tb01836a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Stimuli-responsive/smart drug delivery systems (DDSs), particularly those that use temperature as a stimuli-response factor to activate drug release, are the subject of recent research. A phase change material (PCM) is a popular thermally responsive material that can be used as a drug carrier and only when the system temperature is above the phase change point is the drug released following the phase change material changing from solid to liquid. In this study, a novel NIR light-triggered temperature-sensitive drug delivery system is developed for controllable release of acyclovir (ACV). For this purpose, a mixture of a phase change material (T38) and an ACV compound is first emulsified with copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) as a Pickering stabilizer and a photothermal conversion material, and then encapsulated with SiO2 to form a photothermal stimuli-responsive delivery system. This system shows a uniform spherical shape with a well-distinct core-shell structure, and is further experimentally proven to be able to controllably release drugs with solid-liquid transition of the phase change carrier upon temperature change. These results indicate that cumulative release of ACV can reach 51.2% at 40 °C within 20 hours, which is much higher than 27.3% release achieved below the melting point of T38. In addition, CuO NPs with excellent photothermal conversion ability endow the system with precisely controllable drug delivery via NIR light stimulation, where the cumulative drug release can reach 83.6% after 7 cycles of light stimulation, allowing controlled release at a specific time or location.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengguo Chen
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, China.
| | - Wangting Zhou
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, China.
| | - Yujing Wei
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, China.
| | - Lingling Shi
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, China.
| | - Zhaoxia Zhang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, China.
| | - Mehran Dadgar
- Department of Textile, University of Neyshabur, Adib Boulevard, Khorasan Razavi Province, Iran
| | - Guocheng Zhu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, China.
| | - Guoqing Zhang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, China.
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Zheng H, Xie X, Ling H, You X, Liang S, Lin R, Qiu R, Hou H. Transdermal drug delivery via microneedles for musculoskeletal systems. J Mater Chem B 2023; 11:8327-8346. [PMID: 37539625 DOI: 10.1039/d3tb01441j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
As the population is ageing and lifestyle is changing, the prevalence of musculoskeletal (MSK) disorders is gradually increasing with each passing year, posing a serious threat to the health and quality of the public, especially the elderly. However, currently prevalent treatments for MSK disorders, mainly administered orally and by injection, are not targeted to the specific lesion, resulting in low efficacy along with a series of local and systemic adverse effects. Microneedle (MN) patches loaded with micron-sized needle array, combining the advantages of oral administration and local injection, have become a potentially novel strategy for the administration and treatment of MSK diseases. In this review, we briefly introduce the basics of MNs and focus on the main characteristics of the MSK systems and various types of MN-based transdermal drug delivery (TDD) systems. We emphasize the progress and broad applications of MN-based transdermal drug delivery (TDD) for MSK systems, including osteoporosis, nutritional rickets and some other typical types of arthritis and muscular damage, and in closing summarize the future prospects and challenges of MNs application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haibin Zheng
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510280, P. R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Construction and Detection in Tissue Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, P. R. China.
| | - Xuankun Xie
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510280, P. R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Construction and Detection in Tissue Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, P. R. China.
| | - Haocong Ling
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510280, P. R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Construction and Detection in Tissue Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, P. R. China.
| | - Xintong You
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Construction and Detection in Tissue Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, P. R. China.
| | - Siyu Liang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Construction and Detection in Tissue Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, P. R. China.
| | - Rurong Lin
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Construction and Detection in Tissue Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, P. R. China.
| | - Renjie Qiu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Construction and Detection in Tissue Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, P. R. China.
| | - Honghao Hou
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Construction and Detection in Tissue Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, P. R. China.
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