Naturally Derived Biomaterial-Based Microneedles With Microenvironment-Response Potential for Diabetic Wound Healing

Abstract

Delayed wound healing and non-healing wounds are common in diabetic patients due to the hostile microenvironments and complex pathophysiology of diabetic wounds. Addressing these challenges remains a significant concern for clinicians and researchers. Recently, microneedle technology has emerged as an effective, minimally invasive delivery system for treating diabetic wounds, offering ease of use and efficient drug delivery. Naturally derived biomaterial-based microneedles have demonstrated excellent biocompatibility, degradability, and low toxicity, enhancing the healing process by providing mechanical support and delivering antimicrobial agents, growth factors, and antioxidants. Some microneedles are designed to adapt to the specific microenvironments of diabetic wounds, leading to improved healing outcomes. This review summarises the design and development of naturally derived biomaterial-based microneedles for diabetic wound healing and discusses the mechanisms of action in response to varying diabetic wound conditions. The review also addresses critical considerations for developing microenvironment-response microneedles, highlighting implications for translational medicine. Collectively, interdisciplinary collaboration and technological innovation have advanced the creation of these microenvironment-response microneedles using natural biomaterials, which hold significant potential for improving diabetic wound healing.