Polymeric microneedles: advances in drug delivery

Polymeric microneedles (MNs) represent a promising technology for transdermal drug delivery, overcoming the limitations of the stratum corneum and enabling the delivery of large or hydrophilic molecules, such as vaccines, insulin, and phytocompounds. Despite advancements, challenges related to scalability, biocompatibility, and formulation optimization remain. This study investigated the role of polymeric MNs as an effective strategy for drug delivery, assessing their applicability, efficiency, and advantages compared to traditional methods. A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. The search was performed in the ScienceDirect and PubMed databases, covering articles published between 2013 and 2023. Eligible studies included data on applications, drug types, and MN presentation forms. Data analysis was carried out using StArt software, and drug transdermal permeability was evaluated with tools like PubChem and PreADMET. In this context, 25 studies met the inclusion criteria. MNs demonstrated high versatility in delivering drugs for infectious, inflammatory, oncological, and chronic diseases. Biodegradable and water-soluble polymers were widely used, ensuring controlled and sustained release. The technology showed superior efficacy in molecule permeation, increased treatment adherence, and lower incidence of side effects. Polymeric MNs offer innovative solutions for drug delivery, standing out for their versatility and efficiency. However, limitations such as payload capacity, biocompatibility, and production costs require further investigation. Academic-industrial partnerships and advancements in material science are essential for enabling large-scale clinical applications.