In this review, we have summarized the state-of-the-art microneedles for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, from their classifications and rational design, to the representative applications involving maintenance and rehabilitation of damaged tissues and organs, and the in-depth insight into their current challenges and future directions.
Abstract:
Global increasing demand for high life quality and length facilitates the development of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, which apply multidisciplinary theories and techniques to achieve the structural reconstruction and functional recovery of disordered or damaged tissues and organs. However, the clinical performances of adopted drugs, materials, and powerful cells in the laboratory are inescapably limited by the currently available technologies. To tackle the problems, versatile microneedles are developed as the new platform for local delivery of diverse cargos with minimal invasion. The efficient delivery, as well as painless and convenient procedure endow microneedles with good patient compliance in clinic. In this review, we first categorize different microneedle systems and delivery models, and then summarize their applications in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine mainly involving maintenance and rehabilitation of damaged tissues and organs. In the end, we discuss the advantages, challenges, and prospects of microneedles in depth for future clinical translations.
Author list:
Yixin Zhang†, Yanteng Xu†, Huimin Kong†, Jiabin Zhang, Hon Fai Chan, Jiasi Wang, Dan Shao, Yu Tao*, Mingqiang Li*
How to cite:
Y. Zhang, Y. Xu, H. Kong, J. Zhang, H. F. Chan, J. Wang, D. Shao, Y. Tao, M. Li, Exploration 2023, 3, 20210170.
https://doi.org/10.1002/EXP.20210170