Textile-Based Drug Delivery Systems: Microneedles and Textile Materials

Abstract

Microneedles have emerged as a promising technology for transdermal drug delivery, offering advantages such as painless drug administration and improved patient compliance. The choice of fibers used in microneedles plays a crucial role in determining their mechanical strength, drug loading capacity, and biocompatibility. This review discusses five types of fibers commonly used in microneedle fabrication: polymer fibers, metallic fibers, silicon fibers, glass fibers, and biodegradable fibers. The fabrication process, types, uses, and significance of each type of fiber are explored. Polymer fibers are known for their biocompatibility and mechanical properties, making them suitable for various drug delivery applications. Metallic fibers offer high mechanical strength and durability, making them ideal for deep penetration into the skin. Silicon fibers are known for their high aspect ratio and sharpness, making them suitable for precise and painless drug delivery. Glass fibers are used for high-precision applications such as microinjection. Biodegradable fibers are valuable for sustained drug delivery applications, as they degrade over time, releasing the encapsulated drug into the body. Understanding the properties and applications of these fibers is essential for the development of effective and safe microneedle-based drug delivery systems.