Metal-organic frameworks for microneedles: Bridging the gap between nanomaterials and transdermal therapeutics

This review explores the integration of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and microneedles (MNs) for transdermal drug delivery (TDD), highlighting their potential in biomedical applications. We discuss various MOFs commonly used in healthcare, their synthesis methods, and structural properties that contribute to controlled drug release. Different types of MNs, such as solid, coated, hollow, dissolvable, and hydrogen-forming, and their fabrication techniques are examined for their effectiveness in enhancing drug delivery. MOF-based MNs have demonstrated promising results in enabling sustained and responsive drug release, improving therapeutic outcomes. The applications of MOF-based MNs extend across multiple fields, including wound healing, cancer treatment, biosensing, and skincare. Additionally, their potential in managing chronic conditions such as diabetes, as well as in addressing complex medical challenges like spinal cord injury, Alzheimer's disease, and hair loss, is explored. Despite significant advancements, challenges remain in optimizing MOF stability and MN mechanical properties for clinical use. This review discusses current progress, limitations, and future directions for advancing MOF-based MN technologies toward real-world medical applications.