Microneedle arrays for the treatment of chronic wounds

Lindsay Barnum, Mohamadmahdi Samandari, Tannin A. Schmidt, Ali Tamayol

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

39 Scopus citations

Abstract

Introduction: Chronic wounds are seen frequently in diabetic and bedbound patients. Such skin injuries, which do not heal in a timely fashion, can lead to life-threatening conditions. In an effort to resolve the burdens of chronic wounds, numerous investigations have explored the efficacy of various therapeutics on wound healing. Therapeutics can be topically delivered to cutaneous wounds to reduce the complications associated with systemic drug delivery because the compromised skin barrier is not expected to negatively affect drug distribution. However, researchers have recently demonstrated that the complex environment of chronic wounds could lower the localized availability of the applied therapeutics. Microneedle arrays (MNAs) can be exploited to enhance delivery efficiency and consequently improved healing. Areas covered: In this review, we briefly describe the pathophysiology of chronic wounds and current treatment strategies. We further introduce methods and materials commonly used for the fabrication of MNAs. Subsequently, the studies demonstrating the benefits of MNAs in wound care are highlighted. Expert opinion: Microneedles have great potential to treat the complicated pathophysiology of chronic wounds. Challenges that will need to be addressed include development of a robust chronic wound model and MNAs that combine complex functionality with simplicity of use.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1767-1780
Number of pages14
JournalExpert Opinion on Drug Delivery
Volume17
Issue number12
DOIs
StatePublished - 2020

Keywords

  • Microneedle arrays
  • intradermal drug delivery
  • microfabrication
  • wound healing

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pharmaceutical Science

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