A REVIEW ON DISSOLVING MICRONEEDLE PATCHES: INNOVATIONS IN MINIMALLY INVASIVE TRANSDERMAL DRUG DELIVERY

Dissolving microneedle patches have emerged as an innovative approach in transdermal drug delivery, offering a minimally invasive alternative to conventional methods such as oral administration and hypodermic injections. These systems consist of arrays of micron-sized needles fabricated from biodegradable and water-soluble materials, which are capable of penetrating the outer skin barrier and dissolving within the interstitial fluid to release encapsulated drugs. This unique mechanism enables efficient drug delivery while eliminating the risks associated with sharp medical waste and needle-related injuries. Recent advancements in material science and microfabrication techniques have significantly enhanced the performance of dissolving microneedles. The incorporation of biocompatible polymers, nanocarriers, and stimuli-responsive materials has improved drug loading capacity, stability, and controlled release profiles. dditionally, emerging technologies such as 3D printing and smart microneedle systems are enabling precise design and personalized therapeutic applications. Dissolving microneedle patches have demonstrated wide applicability in areas including vaccination, delivery of biologics, chronic disease management, and cosmetic treatments. Their painless application, ease of use, and potential for self-administration contribute to improved patient compliance and therapeutic outcomes. Despite these advantages, certain limitations such as restricted drug loading, manufacturing challenges, and regulatory concerns remain. Ongoing research is focused on addressing these issues to facilitate large-scale production and clinical translation. Overall, dissolving microneedle patches represent a promising and rapidly evolving technology with the potential to transform modern drug delivery systems.