Microneedles for drug delivery and monitoring

Abstract: Microneedles (MN) are micron-sized needles, ranging from 25 to 2000 μm in height, made of a variety of materials and shapes. Application of MNs to the skin can create micron-sized transport pathways that allow enhanced delivery of a wide range of drug molecules. The concept of MNs was first conceived in 1976; however, it was not possible to make them until the first exploitation of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) in 1998. Therefore, this chapter will focus on the fabrication techniques of MNs using MEMS, the design and material consideration of MNs, and the application of MNs in drug delivery and monitoring biological fluids.