Microneedle Arrays for Near-Infrared-Controlled Insulin Delivery Based on Thermosensitive Microgel

Insulin delivery plays a crucial role in diabetic treatment. Regular painless administration methods are not ideal for insulin delivery due to their insufficient bioavailability and inefficiency. In this study, dissolving microneedle array patches containing a thermosensitive insulin carrier P(NIPAm-AAm) microgel (MG) and the photothermal agent MXene were prepared with drug-protected protocols for near-infrared (NIR) light-controlled painless and minimally invasive insulin delivery. The microneedles (Ins-MG/MXene-HA-MNs) can penetrate the stratum corneum, rapidly heat to above 42 °C in 10 s, and promote the release of insulin in an instant response to NIR light exposure. <i>In vitro</i> and <i>in vivo</i> experiments showed that Ins-MG/MXene-HA-MNs were biocompatible and efficient. Using one microneedle array patch and two brief NIR exposures can ensure effective insulin blood levels and maintain normoglycemia in rats for over 6 h at high glucose levels. Additionally, the fabrication and application of this drug delivery system have been designed to protect insulin bioactivity. The results showed that the MG/MXene-HA-MN array patch realized NIR-controlled multiple on-demand insulin dosing, highlighting its potential for routine blood glucose management.