Delivery of nanocarriers with dissolvable microneedles for skin treatments: Approaches and challenges

Dissolvable Microneedles (DMNs) have formed a promising modality for the delivery of medications to manage various skin disorders. Moreover, nanodrug carriers could be employed for the treatment of skin diseases. Small size and unique properties of nanoparticles enable them to effectively penetrate through skin layers, and deliver active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) directly to desired locations. In this way, the combination of nano-carriers with microneedles could support the production of more efficacious treatments for skin disorders. This article reviews those studies aimed at microneedle-assisted delivery of nanocarriers to various skin diseases discussing design principles for MNs to carry and deliver nanocarriers. Initially, methods for the fabrication of dissolving microneedles like micromolding, droplet-born air-blowing (DAB), and 3D printing are described. Then, the development and deployment of nanoparticle-carrying microneedles for the management of androgenic alopecia (AGA), psoriasis, melanoma, atopic dermatitis (AD), skin wounds and infections are critically reviewed, discussing their potential to improve drug delivery efficiency. In addition, the challenges of combination of nanocarriers with microneedles and their potentials and benefits to treat skin disorders, as well as for personalized and targeted therapy in dermatology are discussed.