In this study, a modified, HexaPro S protein subunit vaccine, delivered using a needle-free high-density microarray patch (HD-MAP), was investigated for its immunogenicity and virus-neutralizing abilities. Mice given two doses of the vaccine candidate generated potent antibody responses capable of neutralizing the parental SARS-CoV-2 virus as well as the variants of concern, Alpha and Delta. These results demonstrate that this alternative vaccination strategy has the potential to mitigate the effect of emerging viral variants.

Light-based therapy is an emerging treatment for skin cancer, which has received increased attention due to its drug-free and non-invasive approach. However, the limitation of current light therapy methods is the inability for light to penetrate the skin and reach deep lesions. As such, we have developed a polylactic acid (PLA) microneedles array as a novel light transmission platform to perform in vitro evaluation regarding the effect of light therapy on skin cancer. For the first time, we designed and fabricated a microneedle array system with a height fixation device that can be installed in a cell culture dish and an LED array for blue light irradiation. The effect of the blue light combined with the microneedles on cell apoptosis was evaluated using B16F10 melanoma cells and analyzed by Hoechst staining. Our results demonstrate that blue light can be transmitted by microneedles to skin cells and effectively affect cell viability

Our findings demonstrate that immune-regulation by engineering localized skin neuroimmune networks can be used to treat cutaneous diseases that like CD, are caused by type-1 immunity.

Experiments using this groundbreaking invention on mice with cancers have shown that the animals’ immune responses were much better than those seen in conventional vaccination methods. The technology paves the way for developing an easy-to-use cell therapy and other therapeutics against cancers and other diseases. Made from a cryogenic solution, these icy microneedles are less than 1mm long and can deliver living mammalian cells into the skin. The device is like a skin patch and the microneedles can detach from the patch base, melt and then penetrate the skin.

Researchers and biotechnology company Vaxxas are studying if the new delivery technology, called a high-density microarray patch, can protect participants from diseases including measles and rubella. If successful, the needle-less technology could be used for a number of other vaccinations including influenza and COVID-19.

Silk fibroin has been widely used as fundamental components for the construction of biocompatible flexible electronics, particularly for wearable and implantable devices. Furthermore, in recent years, more attention has been paid to the investigation of the functional characteristics of silk fibroin, such as the dielectric properties, piezoelectric properties, strong ability to lose electrons, and sensitivity to environmental variables. Here, this paper not only reviews the preparation technologies for various forms of silk fibroin and the recent progress in the use of silk fibroin as a fundamental material but also focuses on the recent advanced works in which silk fibroin serves as functional components. Additionally, the challenges and future development of silk fibroin-based flexible electronics are summarized.

A need-based layered dissolving microneedle system loading tacrolimus (TAC) and diclofenac sodium (DIC) in different layers specifically delivers TAC and DIC to skin and articular cavity, simultaneously alleviating psoriatic skin and arthritic joint lesions.

Conclusion. Acupuncture is an effective and safe treatment for CPRD, and acupuncture combined with drug therapy is more effective than single-drug therapy. Nevertheless, the conclusions were limited due to the low quality and a small number of included studies.

3D printing offers customization, cost-efficiency, a rapid turnaround time between design iterations, and enhanced accessibility. Increasing the printing resolution, the accuracy of the features, and the accessibility of low-cost raw printing materials have empowered 3D printing to be utilized for the fabrication of microneedle platforms. The development of 3D-printed microneedles has enabled the evolution of pain-free controlled release drug delivery systems, devices for extracting fluids from the cutaneous tissue, biosignal acquisition, and point-of-care diagnostic devices in personalized medicine.

Oftentimes, doctors use blood samples to check for biomarkers of disease: antibodies that signal a viral or bacterial infection, such as SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19; or cytokines indicative of inflammation seen in conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and sepsis.

Researchers from the University of Kent and the University of Strathclyde have developed a novel device that combines 3D printing, microneedles, and microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) for controllable transdermal drug delivery.

Autoimmune-mediated inflammatory skin diseases, such as psoriasis, alopecia areata, and vitiligo, have been reported as the 4th leading cause of nonfatal disease burden worldwide. This is mainly related to the poor quality of life experienced by these patients. Although topical and systemic steroids represent the most common treatment, the variability in success rates and side effects often lead to treatment discontinuation.

3D printing offers customization, cost-efficiency, a rapid turnaround time between design iterations, and enhanced accessibility. Increasing the printing resolution, the accuracy of the features, and the accessibility of low-cost raw printing materials have empowered 3D printing to be utilized for the fabrication of microneedle platforms. The development of 3D-printed microneedles has enabled the evolution of pain-free controlled release drug delivery systems, devices for extracting fluids from the cutaneous tissue, biosignal acquisition, and point-of-care diagnostic devices in personalized medicine.

The team at Swansea University in Wales is developing the first coronavirus vaccine in the form of a "smart patch." The device is disposable and administers the vaccine through microneedles, which simultaneously monitor its efficacy by measuring each individual's immune response.

Microneedle (MN) technology is a rising star in the point-of-care (POC) field, which has gained increasing attention from scientists and clinics. MN-based POC devices show great potential for detecting various analytes of clinical interests and transdermal drug delivery in a minimally invasive manner owing to MNs’ micro-size sharp tips and ease of use. This review aims to go through the recent achievements in MN-based devices by investigating the selection of materials, fabrication techniques, classification, and application, respectively. We further highlight critical aspects of MN platforms for transdermal biofluids extraction, diagnosis, and drug delivery assisted disease therapy.

A novel device for enhancing wound healing, the detachable hybrid microneedle depot. It is the first device to use a microneedle array to facilitate localized mesenchymal stem cell delivery with a minimal dose of cells.

Microneedles are being widely explored for dermal delivery of macromolecules. They have the capability and the potential for entrapping enzymes such as lysozyme within a polymeric matrix that do not alter the protein integrity, enable a bolus or a sustained release.

Additive Manufacturing of Core-Shell Microneedles for Single-Administration Vaccines

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is encapsulated in the micropores of CSMNA by temperature sensitive hydrogel. Therefore, the smart release of the drugs can be controllably realized via the temperature rising induced by the inflammation response at the site of wounds.