Purpose of Review <p>This review aims to explore the expanding potential of microneedle (MN) technology in ocular drug delivery by assessing how it addresses the shortcomings of traditional methods, including the limited bioavailability of topical eye drops and the complications linked to intravitreal injections. It further evaluates how different MN types are designed to overcome these challenges.</p> Recent Findings <p>Emerging studies report significant progress in MN fabrication, design, and drug-loading approaches. Solid, coated, dissolving, and hollow MNs have been shown to deliver drugs directly to ocular tissues such as the cornea, sclera, and suprachoroidal space, enhancing penetration, absorption, and retention. The use of biodegradable materials and nanocarrier-loaded MN systems has improved sustained release profiles and safety. Dissolving MNs appear especially effective for prolonged treatment of conditions like glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration, while hollow MNs facilitate precise corticosteroid delivery to the posterior eye without the need for invasive intravitreal administration. </p> Summary <p>Collectively, MN technology represents a versatile, targeted, and less invasive alternative capable of reshaping ocular drug delivery by circumventing anatomical barriers, improving therapeutic outcomes, and reducing patient discomfort and procedural risks. These systems serve as an intermediate solution between topical treatments and intravitreal injections, offering strong promise for translation into clinical practice. </p> Impact on Future Research <p>Future investigations are expected to focus on refining biodegradable MN platforms, incorporating smart or stimuli-responsive drug carriers, enhancing self-administration features for patients, and validating long-term safety and efficacy in clinical studies, ultimately paving the way for personalized, sustained, and at-home ocular therapy options.</p> Graphical Abstract <p></p>

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Reaching the Unreachable: Recent Advances and Challenges in Microneedles for Minimally Invasive Ocular Drug Delivery

  • Nagashree D,
  • Lavanya Akashi C,
  • Kishore Manik B N,
  • Nimbagal Raghavendra Naveen

摘要

Purpose of Review

This review aims to explore the expanding potential of microneedle (MN) technology in ocular drug delivery by assessing how it addresses the shortcomings of traditional methods, including the limited bioavailability of topical eye drops and the complications linked to intravitreal injections. It further evaluates how different MN types are designed to overcome these challenges.

Recent Findings

Emerging studies report significant progress in MN fabrication, design, and drug-loading approaches. Solid, coated, dissolving, and hollow MNs have been shown to deliver drugs directly to ocular tissues such as the cornea, sclera, and suprachoroidal space, enhancing penetration, absorption, and retention. The use of biodegradable materials and nanocarrier-loaded MN systems has improved sustained release profiles and safety. Dissolving MNs appear especially effective for prolonged treatment of conditions like glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration, while hollow MNs facilitate precise corticosteroid delivery to the posterior eye without the need for invasive intravitreal administration.

Summary

Collectively, MN technology represents a versatile, targeted, and less invasive alternative capable of reshaping ocular drug delivery by circumventing anatomical barriers, improving therapeutic outcomes, and reducing patient discomfort and procedural risks. These systems serve as an intermediate solution between topical treatments and intravitreal injections, offering strong promise for translation into clinical practice.

Impact on Future Research

Future investigations are expected to focus on refining biodegradable MN platforms, incorporating smart or stimuli-responsive drug carriers, enhancing self-administration features for patients, and validating long-term safety and efficacy in clinical studies, ultimately paving the way for personalized, sustained, and at-home ocular therapy options.

Graphical Abstract