A systematic review of carbohydrate-based microneedles: current status and future prospects

Relatively higher-quality human studies compared with other topics in this database, e.g. multiple RCTs or systematic reviews. This does not mean it is standard or approved care.

• Level A · Stronger Clinical Evidence
• Level B · Emerging clinical evidence with positive signals
• Level C · Early human research exploring benefits
• Level D · Scientific groundwork from lab and animal studies
• Emerging · Emerging topic under active research

Abstract (original English)

Microneedles (MNs) are minimally invasive tridimensional biomedical devices that bypass the skin barrier resulting in systemic and localized pharmacological effects. Historically, biomaterials such as carbohydrates, due to their physicochemical properties, have been used widely to fabricate MNs. Owing to their broad spectrum of functional groups, carbohydrates permit designing and engineering with tunable properties and functionalities. This has led the carbohydrate-based microarrays possessing the great potential to take a futuristic step in detecting, drug delivery, and retorting to biologicals. In this review, the crucial and extensive summary of carbohydrates such as hyaluronic acid, chitin, chitosan, chondroitin sulfate, cellulose, and starch has been discussed systematically, using PRISMA guidelines. It also discusses different approaches for drug delivery and the mechanical properties of biomaterial-based MNs, till date, progress has been achieved in clinical translation of carbohydrate-based MNs, and regulatory requirements for their commercialization. In conclusion, it describes a brief perspective on the future prospects of carbohydrate-based MNs referred to as the new class of topical drug delivery systems.

Evidence level

Relatively higher-quality human studies compared with other topics in this database, e.g. multiple RCTs or systematic reviews. This does not mean it is standard or approved care.

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