<p>Dissolving microneedle (DMN)-based drug delivery systems have emerged as a promising approach for minimally invasive and painless therapeutic interventions. Nevertheless, one of the main issues of DMNs is their poor mechanical strength which can prevent them from reaching the proper depth for drug release. To enhance the mechanical strength, DMN containing cinnamoyl cellulose nanocrystals (CCNCs) and cinnamoyl poly(vinyl alcohol)/boric acid (CP/BA) crosslinked was developed and evaluated the performance for glucose-responsive drug delivery. The cinnamoyl groups were chemically attached to cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) and poly(vinyl alcohol), and the crosslinking with boric acid (BA) was optimized using dynamic light scattering. DMN was fabricated using a mold-based approach and characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), x-ray diffraction spectroscopy, and mechanical strength testing. DMNs containing CCNCs and/or CP/BA crosslinked exhibited significantly improved mechanical strength compared to the control. UV irradiation further enhanced the mechanical properties due to the photodimerization of cinnamoyl groups. SEM images confirmed that the microneedle structure remained intact and conformed to the mold design. In glucose-responsive release studies, the control showed no significant release when the glucose concentration changed, whereas DMN with CCNCs and/or CP/BA demonstrated a significant increase in drug release as glucose concentration increased. The dual role of CCNCs and CP/BA crosslinked not only enhances the mechanical strength of DMN but also facilitates glucose-responsive drug release. Such features make this DMN system a promising platform for diabetes management.</p>