Metal–organic framework-integrated microneedles for biosensing and wound-targeted regenerative therapy

• MOFs enhance MN sensitivity and selectivity through high surface area and tunable porosity. • MOF-based MNs enable real-time and multiplexed biosensing. • MOF-based MNs support tissue repair through controlled release of bioactive molecules. • Composite strategies enhance the strength and stability of MOF-integrated microneedles. • Tunable biodegradability and biocompatibility ensure safe clinical translation. Microneedles (MNs) are essential alternatives to invasive procedures in biomedical applications, which enable minimally invasive diagnostic procedures. Despite numerous studies focusing on their design, the quest for more advanced materials in their fabrication remains imperative. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have emerged as a promising target in polymer science with unique possibilities for enhancing the performance and versatility of MN technologies. Their unique structural features, characterized by a highly porous framework, offer enhanced precision in drug delivery and biosensing capabilities. Integrating MOFs with MN platforms enhances their functionality and makes them adaptable for biosensing applications across diverse biomedical settings. Beyond sensing, MOF-based MNs also present opportunities in regenerative medicine, with a particular emphasis on wound healing as a paradigmatic and clinically relevant application, where localized delivery of bioactive molecules enables active modulation of the wound microenvironment to support tissue repair and regeneration. This dual role expands their potential from diagnostic tools to therapeutic and regenerative platforms. This review covers the critical role played by MOF-based MNs, focusing on their design criteria, synthesis techniques, and functionalization strategies that are crucial for adapting these structures to targeted diagnostics. The synthesis methodologies and integration of MOF-based MNs into wearable systems are also examined, with a specific focus on how these approaches enhance their diagnostic capabilities. Moreover, this review examines critical considerations, including biocompatibility, mechanical properties, and biodegradability, which are essential for the safe translation of these materials into clinical settings. Overall, this review highlights the significant promise of MOF-based MNs as a transformative tool for advancing next-generation sensing platforms and wound-focused regenerative therapies in biomedical engineering, while also outlining future opportunities beyond wound healing.