Bioinspired microneedle patches: Biomimetic designs, fabrication, and biomedical applications

• Published in: Matter Vol. 5; no. 2; pp. 390 - 429
• Main Authors: Makvandi, Pooyan, Maleki, Aziz, Shabani, Majid, Hutton, Aaron R.J., Kirkby, Melissa, Jamaledin, Rezvan, Fang, Tianxu, He, Jiahuan, Lee, Jesse, Mazzolai, Barbara, Donnelly, Ryan F., Tay, Franklin R., Chen, Guojun, Mattoli, Virgilio
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Inc 02.02.2022
• Subjects: bioinspired design; biomimetic structures; MN patches; MN patches; biomimetic structures; bioinspired design
• ISSN: 2590-2385; 2590-2385
• DOI: 10.1016/j.matt.2021.11.021

Nature contains abundant systems that can significantly alter their structures and properties to adapt to the surrounding environment. Through natural selection and unceasing evolution, hierarchical architectures and sophisticated strategies have been created by nature to achieve optimally adapted materials for biomedical applications. The development of microneedles (MNs) has advanced to the next generation of bioinspired MNs (BMNs), with the goal of improving functions such as amelioration of mechanical properties and tissue adhesion. The biomimetic designs and structures of MNs are highlighted in the present review. This is followed by an in-depth discussion of the fabrication approaches from molding techniques to 3D and 4D printing. The medical applications of BMNs, including drug delivery, regenerative medicine, biopsy sampling, and biosensing, are also discussed. Last, future opportunities and challenges with respect to clinical translation are also deliberated. [Display omitted] Nature provides abundant systems that can significantly alter their structures and properties to adapt to the surrounding environment. Over the billions of years of evolution, hierarchical architectures and sophisticated strategies were created through natural selection to achieve optimally adapted materials with specific functions. In this regard, bioinspired engineering is involved in the design and fabrication of advanced materials in many fields of research and technology. To reach optimal MN performance, researchers have developed a newer class of MN patches, known as biomimetic or BMNs, which have a diverse set of applications. The applications of BMNs, including drug delivery, tissue adhesion, and regenerative medicine, as well as interstitial fluid extraction, are discussed. This information provides a deeper understanding of the design and application of nature-inspired MNs to provide a backdrop for future research. Depending on the targeted application, nature-inspired MNs may benefit from the following features: (1) improved adhesion to the underlying tissue; (2) improved tissue penetration; (3) enhanced drug loading or encapsulation; (4) rapid injection of bioactive molecules; and (5) constructing and maintaining microholes on skin. Depending on the animal- or plant-mimicked structures, nature-inspired MNs may suffer from the following features when compared with traditional MNs: (1) complicated design and structure; (2) complex architecture for fabrication—an obstacle for scale-up; and (3) multifaceted construction needs sophisticated equipment. Nature contains abundant systems that can significantly alter their structures and properties to adapt to the surrounding environment. Through natural selection and unceasing evolution, hierarchical architectures and sophisticated strategies have been created by nature to achieve optimally adapted materials for biomedical applications. The development of MNs has advanced to the next generation of BMNs, with the goal of improving functions such as amelioration of mechanical properties and tissue adhesion. The biomimetic designs and structures of MNs are highlighted in the present review. This is followed by an in-depth discussion of the fabrication approaches from molding techniques to 3D and 4D printing. The medical applications of BMNs, including drug delivery, regenerative medicine, biopsy sampling, and biosensing, are also discussed. Last, future opportunities and challenges with respect to clinical translation are also deliberated.