Researchers are investigating microneedle patches as a potential alternative to daily insulin injections for diabetes patients. These experimental patches use arrays of microscopic projections to penetrate the skin's outer barrier and deliver medication without the discomfort of traditional needles. Several microneedle designs are under study, including solid, hollow, and dissolving variants. Dissolving microneedles, manufactured from water-soluble materials like gelatin, carboxymethyl cellulose, and pullulan, release their medication payload as they dissolve in the skin. Preclinical studies using diabetic mice and human skin samples have demonstrated that these systems can successfully deliver insulin through the skin. However, significant challenges remain before this technology can replace conventional injections, including establishing reliable dosing protocols, ensuring consistent absorption, developing scalable manufacturing processes, and confirming safety profiles. The fundamental concept shows promise, but researchers must address critical questions about predictability and consistency compared to existing injection methods before microneedle patches can become a practical clinical solution for diabetes management.

Researchers at UC San Diego are developing a minimally invasive wearable microneedle patch that combines real-time biological sensing with automated drug delivery in a closed-loop system. Led by Chemical and Nano Engineering Professor Joseph Wang, the team is engineering a "lab under the skin" capable of continuously monitoring multiple biomarkers and medication levels from dermal interstitial fluid while simultaneously administering therapeutic agents. The platform uses microneedles less than one millimeter in length, with sensing microneedles coated in enzymes that detect biomarkers and generate electrical signals proportional to concentration levels. Hollow microneedles will deliver medications based on these real-time data streams. This technology holds significant promise for managing chronic conditions including diabetes and Parkinson's disease, while offering potential for early septic shock detection in emergency settings. Currently, solid microneedles are undergoing preliminary clinical trials at UC San Diego to validate real-time sensing capabilities. After fifteen years of development, the Wang laboratory continues advancing various microneedle designs to achieve fully integrated sense-and-treat systems that could substantially improve patient outcomes and quality of life.

Transdermal drug delivery (TDD) represents a clinically advantageous alternative to oral and parenteral administration, offering reduced systemic side effects and steady-state delivery profiles beneficial for chronic disease management. However, the skin's stratum corneum acts as a formidable biological barrier, restricting effective permeation to drug molecules with low molecular weight (<500 Da) and moderate lipophilicity. Traditional enhancement strategies such as chemical enhancers, iontophoresis, electroporation, and sonophoresis have demonstrated limitations, often causing skin irritation, requiring expensive equipment, or failing to efficiently deliver larger biotherapeutics. Microneedles (MNs) emerge as a superior solution by mechanically creating micro-conduits that enable drug transport while remaining small enough to avoid triggering pain through stimulation of dermal nociceptors and blood vessels. This painless technology holds transformative potential for vaccine delivery, hormonal therapies, and dermatological treatments. The article synthesizes current advancements in microneedle design, fabrication, and characterization, establishing a comprehensive roadmap for their successful clinical translation and addressing critical factors of permeability and dosage personalization essential for therapeutic efficacy.

Microneedles represent a transformative transdermal drug delivery technology that combines the convenience of patches with the efficacy of subcutaneous injection. This article, based on research by Xiaowen Liu, Fei Xiao from Jinan University, and Bin Du from Tongji University published in Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology, examines four primary microneedle classifications and their distinct mechanisms. Solid microneedles, fabricated from polymers, metals, or silicon, create temporary microchannels in the stratum corneum for skin pre-treatment using the poke-and-patch principle, though channels close within hours limiting sustained release. Hollow microneedles feature a 50–70 micrometer internal lumen enabling pressure-driven drug delivery, functioning as microscale syringes and allowing larger fluid volumes. Dissolving microneedles gradually degrade within skin tissue, providing sustained drug release without residue concerns. Coated microneedles deposit therapeutic agents directly onto the skin surface upon insertion. Each approach offers distinct advantages and limitations regarding drug carrying capacity, mechanical reliability, manufacturing complexity, and biocompatibility, making microneedle technology applicable across diverse cutaneous disease treatments while maintaining minimal invasiveness and excellent patient compliance.

Researchers have developed electroactive biodegradable microneedles that enable real-time, minimally invasive monitoring of plant physiology and industrial ammonia sensing. These novel microneedles combine biodegradable materials with electroactive properties, allowing direct insertion into plant tissues without causing significant damage. The technology addresses critical gaps in agricultural monitoring by providing in-situ physiological data collection, potentially revolutionizing precision farming applications. Beyond agriculture, the microneedles demonstrate utility in industrial ammonia sensing, offering a non-invasive alternative to conventional detection methods. Published in September 2026 in an open-access peer-reviewed journal, this research represents a significant advancement in bioelectronic sensor technology. The integration of electroactive functionality with biodegradable substrates eliminates concerns about device removal and environmental contamination. This innovation matters for sustainable agriculture, environmental monitoring, and industrial applications requiring accurate, real-time chemical detection with minimal ecological impact.

Hydrogel microneedles (HMNs) are an emerging microneedle platform that show significant potential for transdermal drug delivery applications. Nevertheless, conventional micromolding techniques exhibit inherent limitations that restrict their broader utilization. HMNs comprise hydrophilic crosslinked polymer networks that absorb interstitial fluid following skin insertion, thereby inducing swelling and enabling drug release. Additive manufacturing is a promising strategy for HMN fabrication, providing precise control over geometry and material composition. Photoreactive macromonomers enable the formation of polymer network structures while improving the solubilization of poorly water-soluble drugs, thereby facilitating the incorporation of lipophilic compounds. In this study, a photoreactive resin was prepared using poly(ethylene glycol) dimethacrylate (PEGDMA) as the macromonomer.

Chronic pain has historically been managed with pharmacological therapies, including opioids that provide potent analgesia, but their sustainability is limited by dose-dependent risks of misuse, addiction, and overdose. Electroceuticals offer a non-pharmacologic alternative by modulating neural pathways through electrical stimulation, but current invasive systems require surgery and clinical supervision, whereas non-invasive devices suffer from poor therapeutic efficacy caused by unstable skin-electrode impedance. Here, we present a thermoresponsive, electrically conductive adhesive microneedle (TEAM) electroceutical that integrates low-impedance microneedle arrays and conductive hydrogel coatings within a compact wireless platform enabling IoT-based telemedicine for safe, remotely managed pain therapy with robust therapeutic outcomes.

CD Bioparticles has announced a comprehensive custom microneedle mold processing service designed to support academic research, formulation development, and industrial-scale manufacturing. The company specializes in fabricating both negative and positive molds with micron-level precision, critical for ensuring reproducibility and quality in microneedle array production. CD Bioparticles supports diverse microneedle geometries including conical, pyramidal, beveled, hollow, and customized structures, with capabilities extending to complex multi-level cavity architectures such as tapered and gradient designs. The service leverages optimized surface treatments like fluorosilane coating to minimize demolding damage and improve yield, while maintaining stable dimensional performance during repeated use. The molds are compatible with various polymer and hydrogel processing methods including casting, molding, hot-pressing, and solution-based systems, functioning effectively in both aqueous and organic environments. Beyond manufacturing, CD Bioparticles offers engineering support including simulation-driven optimization, rapid prototyping, and process guidance to facilitate seamless transition from prototype development through pilot-scale applications. This comprehensive approach addresses the critical need for reliable mold quality in advancing microneedle technology across research and commercial sectors.

Sulfated polysaccharides (SPs) represent a promising class of bioactive macromolecules for advancing wound healing applications, as detailed in this peer-reviewed research published in the International Journal of Nanomedicine. A collaborative team from Chinese military medical institutions, including the Army Medical University and the 910th Hospital of the Joint Logistic Force, examined how sulfated polysaccharide-based biomaterials can be engineered to modulate wound microenvironments with precision. The research emphasizes SPs' multifaceted roles in cell signaling, immunomodulation, tissue repair, and host defense mechanisms. Since wound healing involves complex, tightly coordinated biological processes—particularly in challenging chronic and refractory wounds—understanding how to leverage both natural and engineered sulfated polysaccharides presents significant clinical value. This work matters because it addresses a critical gap in biomaterial science, offering potential therapeutic strategies to improve healing outcomes in difficult-to-treat wound cases through spatiotemporally controlled biomaterial engineering. The findings suggest sulfated polysaccharides could substantially enhance clinical wound management protocols.

Researchers at BMDL have developed an integrated wearable biosensing platform combining microneedles and advanced sensing technologies to enable minimally invasive monitoring of body fluids. The system employs microneedle structures for accessing interstitial fluid, complemented by electrode and interface architectures that convert biochemical interactions in sweat or interstitial fluid into measurable signals. The platform incorporates specialized ocular devices integrating microfluidics, sensing capabilities, and compact wireless functions for remote data transmission. Utilizing selective chemistry and controlled transport mechanisms, the technology can distinguish specific biomarkers within complex, low-volume samples with high specificity. This integrated approach connects wearable actuation, fluid sampling, and real-time sensing into a cohesive system, offering significant advantages for continuous health monitoring without invasive procedures. Published in Advanced Materials in 2023, this work represents a foundation for expanding into ultrasonic biointerfaces and bioresorbable implantable devices, positioning wearable biosensors as transformative tools for personalized medicine and remote patient monitoring applications.

This open-access review examines topical strategies for delivering antimicrobial peptide medicines to treat chronic wounds, published in August 2026. Chronic wounds represent a significant clinical challenge due to bacterial colonization and biofilm formation that impede healing. The article synthesizes current approaches for applying peptide-based antimicrobials directly to wound sites, focusing on delivery mechanisms that enhance therapeutic efficacy while minimizing systemic exposure. Key considerations include peptide stability, penetration through wound barriers, and maintenance of antimicrobial activity in the moist wound environment. The review evaluates various formulation strategies and device technologies designed to optimize peptide retention and bioavailability at the wound site. Understanding effective topical delivery of antimicrobial peptides is critical for advancing wound care, as these molecules offer advantages including broad-spectrum activity and reduced resistance development compared to conventional antibiotics. This comprehensive analysis provides valuable insights for researchers and clinicians developing next-generation therapeutics for the growing burden of difficult-to-heal chronic wounds.

The CASMN Microneedle Technology Platform represents an advanced skin-permeation enhancement approach utilizing microneedles typically several hundred micrometers in length. These devices create micron-scale pathways through the stratum corneum while avoiding deeper nerve-rich dermal tissue, significantly reducing discomfort and needle anxiety compared to conventional injections. The platform encompasses three major microneedle classes with six technology variants, each employing distinct mechanisms for drug delivery. Water-insoluble microneedles utilize surface drug coatings for rapid, low-dose release upon insertion, while water-soluble pharmaceutical polymers carry active ingredients within the needle matrix for fast dissolution and payload release. Water-insoluble structures swell post-insertion to form hydrogel pathways enabling diffusion of larger molecules. By combining advantages of injection and transdermal delivery, this technology expands therapeutic opportunities for proteins, peptides, vaccines, DNA, and strongly hydrophilic or lipophilic compounds. The platform also supports cold-chain-independent storage of temperature-sensitive products. Research applications span controlled-release formulations, peptide therapeutics, vaccines, dermatology, photodynamic therapy, and industrial-scale manufacturing, demonstrating the technology's versatility and commercial potential.

DMNs represent a significant advancement in transdermal and transmucosal drug delivery systems for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. The selection of a biocompatible polymer base and its integration with nanotechnology, polymer encapsulation, and microemulsions have resulted in an effective and safe delivery system. Recent advances in DMNs modification, such as controlled release using stimuli-responsive techniques, have expanded the potential of DMNs to deliver a variety of anti-inflammatory agents to organs such as the skin, eyes, joints, and oral mucosa. Despite their promising prospects, several challenges must be addressed to support the clinical translation of DMNs. These challenges include dose consistency, formulation stability, long-term safety evaluation, and the development of sterile and economical large-scale production processes for these vaccines. Furthermore, standardization of testing methods and clear regulations are needed to ensure product quality, safety, and effectiveness. With innovative support in biomaterials and drug delivery technology, DMNs have the potential to become the next generation transdermal therapeutic platform for more effective and patient-centered inflammatory disease management.

Microneedle (MN) technologies offer the opportunity to improve patient access and target delivery of drugs and vaccines to specific tissues. When in the form of skin patches, MNs can be administered by personnel with minimal training, or could be self-administered by patients, which can improve access to medication, especially those usually requiring injection. Because MNs are small (usually sub-millimetre), they can be used for precise tissue targeting. MN patches have been extensively studied to administer vaccines and drugs in preclinical work as well as in multiple clinical trials. When formulated with biodegradable polymer, MNs can enable long-acting therapies by slowly releasing drug as the MNs biodegrade. Targeted drug delivery by hollow MNs has resulted in FDA-approved products that are able to inject vaccines to skin-resident immune cells to improve immune response and to target specific parts of the eye (e.g., suprachoroidal space) for increased efficacy and avoidance of side effects in other parts of the eye. Cosmetic products based on MN technologies are already in widespread use, mostly as anti-aging agents. With extensive research coupled with FDA-approved products, MN technology promises to continue is growth in research leading to products that can benefit patients.

Adaptyx Biosciences has achieved a significant breakthrough in wearable biosensing technology by developing the first continuous cortisol monitoring patch, mirroring the success of continuous glucose monitors over the past decade. Unveiled at the American Diabetes Association's annual meeting in New Orleans, the matchbook-sized patch uses aptamer sensors—short strands of synthetic DNA engineered to detect cortisol molecules—to track the stress hormone in interstitial fluid beneath the skin in real time. The device successfully measured cortisol fluctuations throughout the day, capturing its natural rhythms and responding appropriately when volunteers ingested synthetic cortisol, with measurements correlating to gold-standard blood tests. Proof-of-concept studies demonstrated the patch's ability to detect cortisol's low overnight point, sharp morning increase, and disrupted patterns from sleep deprivation. As cortisol regulates metabolism, sleep, immune function, and blood pressure, continuous monitoring could transform stress-related disease management. While the technology requires further development to deliver medically actionable clinical readings, this advancement represents a major milestone the biomonitoring field has pursued for years.

Microneedle technology represents a significant advancement in transdermal drug delivery systems, offering an alternative to traditional injection and oral administration routes. This review synthesizes research on microneedle design, fabrication, and clinical applications, drawing from foundational work by pioneers including Prausnitz, Langer, and Donnelly. Microneedles are miniaturized needle arrays engineered from polymeric materials, hydrogels, and bio-inspired designs that penetrate the skin's outer layers to deliver drugs, vaccines, and proteins directly into tissue. Key innovations include laser-based micromoulding techniques for fabrication, coated microneedle patch systems for immunization, and dissolving microneedle arrays that eliminate sharp waste. The technology addresses critical challenges in biopharmaceutical delivery, particularly for large molecular compounds and vaccines that cannot survive gastric digestion. Recent patents and clinical studies demonstrate microneedles' effectiveness for controlled transdermal delivery while improving patient compliance through painless administration compared to conventional needles. The field continues advancing through development of MEMS-based microneedle arrays and optimization of coating formulations. This emerging technology holds substantial promise for revolutionizing drug delivery across multiple therapeutic areas, from vaccination programs to protein therapeutics, while reducing injection-related complications and enhancing treatment accessibility.

Protein glycosylation, the most prevalent post-translational modification, undergoes significant changes in disease states, making N-glycans promising biomarkers for diagnosis and monitoring. While serum N-glycosylation has been extensively studied, interstitial fluid represents an emerging minimally invasive biomarker source, particularly relevant given the clinical success of wearable glucose monitors in diabetes management. Researchers conducted a comparative glycomic analysis of interstitial fluid and matched plasma samples from five healthy volunteers using liquid chromatography, mass spectrometry, and exoglycosidase digestions. The study revealed that interstitial fluid N-glycome profiles closely mirror plasma profiles for each individual, with only subtle, statistically insignificant differences. Glycosylation patterns demonstrated high individualization, reflecting each person's biological specificity. These findings establish interstitial fluid as a reliable proxy for systemic N-glycosylation, supporting its development as a powerful, accessible matrix for discovering glycan-based biomarkers. The results further validate the creation of minimally invasive and wearable technologies for monitoring glycosylation indicators of disease onset, progression, and treatment response.

Researchers have developed a novel fast-dissolving microneedle patch designed for transdermal delivery of granisetron, an antiemetic medication commonly used to prevent nausea and vomiting. The study, published in the Journal of Pharmaceutical Innovation in August 2026, presents comprehensive optimization and evaluation of this innovative drug delivery system. The microneedle patch technology enables bypassing the gastrointestinal tract, potentially improving patient compliance and therapeutic outcomes. The research encompassed both in-vitro and ex-vivo evaluations to assess the patch's efficacy and safety. This advancement is significant because it addresses limitations of conventional oral administration methods, including variable absorption rates and gastrointestinal side effects. Transdermal microneedle delivery represents a promising alternative for patients with difficulty swallowing or those requiring rapid drug absorption. The optimization findings contribute to the expanding field of minimally invasive drug delivery systems, potentially revolutionizing how antiemetic therapies are administered in clinical settings.

The rapid advancement in personalized healthcare has driven the development of wearable biomedical devices for real-time biomarker monitoring and diagnosis. Traditional invasive blood-based diagnostics are painful and limited to sporadic health snapshots. To address these limitations, microneedle-based sensing platforms have emerged, utilizing interstitial fluid (ISF) as an alternative biofluid for continuous health monitoring in a minimally invasive and painless manner. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of microneedle sensor technology, covering microneedle design, fabrication methods, and sensing strategy. Additionally, it explores the integration of monitoring electronics for continuous on-body monitoring. Representative applications of microneedle sensing platforms for both monitoring and therapeutic purposes are introduced, highlighting their potential to revolutionize personalized healthcare. Finally, the review discusses the remaining challenges and future prospects of microneedle technology.

Reliable and continuous access to interstitial fluid (ISF) remains a major challenge for wearable and tissue-embedded biosensing systems. Conventional microneedle-based methods, while widely adopted, often exhibit variable sampling efficiency across different skin types and are prone to performance fluctuations during motion. Herein, we introduce a tissue-embedded thread-based open capillary microfluidics-based sampling that enables minimally invasive, pump-free, and reliable continuous monitoring of small molecules from ISF. The system employs open capillary-driven microfluidic channels in textile threads, which facilitate the partial separation of small molecules from complex biological matrices, mimicking a microdialysis process. The continuous sampling is achieved through evaporation-driven capillary pressure, eliminating the need for an external pump. The experimental results confirm the numerical simulation of diffusion-controlled and capillary-driven transport of analytes in ISF.