Transdermal drug delivery: a bibliometric analysis of global trends and emerging device-assisted techniques

Abstract Transdermal drug delivery has evolved from conventional topical formulations to advanced approaches designed to overcome the barrier function of the stratum corneum. This study provides a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of transdermal drug delivery research, with particular attention to emerging device-assisted techniques, including laser-assisted delivery and pneumatic needle-free injection systems. Bibliometric data were retrieved from the Web of Science using a systematic search strategy, yielding 15,865 publications between 1977 and 2025. The dataset was analyzed using VOSviewer to visualize recurring research themes, collaboration networks, and citation impact. The results demonstrate a marked growth in scientific output since the early 2000s, with original research articles representing the predominant publication type. The United States and China were the leading contributors to the field, while Ryan F. Donnelly (Queen’s University Belfast) was identified as the most productive author. Among the most frequently studied transdermal drug delivery approaches were microneedles, iontophoresis, and lipid-based carriers, reflecting sustained interest in minimally invasive and formulation-driven strategies. Although laser-assisted techniques and needle-free injection were less represented in terms of publication volume, needle-free injection demonstrated a high citation impact. Laser-assisted drug delivery was less frequently represented in the dataset, likely reflecting its later emergence and methodological heterogeneity rather than a lack of scientific interest. Overall, transdermal drug delivery research is rapidly expanding across pharmacology, biomaterials science, and biomedical engineering, highlighting the interdisciplinary nature of innovation in this field.