Microneedles-based drug delivery for the treatment of psoriasis

Psoriasis is a gene and immune-mediated inflammatory skin disease without any improvement and its treatment is completely dependent on symptom control. Presently, it is affecting millions of people worldwide. Hypodermic needles, topical creams, along with transdermal patches have been more frequently used for transdermal administration of medications. Because of the skin layer, Stratum corneum which gives protection towards the drug and/or foreign particles and only some molecules are allowed to access the target, so the effectiveness of most of the transdermal delivery systems is reduced. A modern method of a delivery system termed as ‘microneedles’ enhances the transport of the medication directly into the skin by bypassing the skin barrier layer solve different problems concerning the conventional transdermal delivery systems. The purpose of this review is to explore about MNs used as a transdermal drug delivery system for treating psoriasis. Owing to the range of benefits offered, such as minimal harm, painlessness, comfort, and increased patient compliance, the MNs approach is considered to be far safer in comparison to conventional transdermal delivery systems. The word MNs have inclined much attention by researchers in recent times and the MNs technology is transiently growing. MNs are categorized by scholars into four main types: dissolving microneedles (DMNs), coated microneedles (CMNs), solid microneedles (SMNs), and hollow microneedles (HMNs). As per their exceptional features like shape and usage, each type of MNs possesses distinct advantages. By reviewing the literature, characteristics and geometry of MNs, mechanism of MNs, and commonly used drugs for the microneedle's fabrication were considered. The polymers and methods used for preparing MNs and applications of microneedle technology with prime focus on psoriasis therapy are explained. Evaluation parameters of MNs such as characteristics, dimensional, mechanical, in vitro, and in vivo evaluations, along with the patents filed and marketed products of MNs are reviewed and included in this article. This piece of writing is therefore intended to include a written description of the advancements of the use of MNs in effective psoriasis treatment.