Advances in microneedle technology for skin wound healing: integrating nanomaterials and intelligent drug delivery systems

Recent clinical challenges in wound healing, particularly chronic non-healing wounds such as diabetic ulcers and burn injuries, highlight the limitations of current treatments in achieving rapid healing, infection control, and scar reduction. The integration of nanomaterials with microneedle technology-an emerging platform for transdermal drug delivery and microenvironment regulation-offers significant advantages in addressing these challenges. By incorporating functional nanomaterials such as nanonzymes, metal nanoparticles, and antimicrobial nanostructures, microneedle platforms enhance local hemostasis, infection suppression, inflammation regulation, angiogenesis, and tissue regeneration. Despite promising results, research in this area remains limited, with most studies focusing on specific molecular mechanisms or single applications. This review evaluates the potential of nanomaterial-integrated microneedle systems for complex wound treatment, emphasizing gene regulation, immune modulation, and tissue regeneration. It also discusses their role in regulating inflammatory factors, accelerating epidermal regeneration, and optimizing the wound microenvironment. The review concludes by proposing future directions for responsive microneedle systems capable of dynamic drug release and precision interventions, paving the way for personalized treatment and improved clinical outcomes in complex wound management. Therefore, this review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the recent advances in nanomaterial-integrated microneedle systems for skin wound healing. We focus on how these hybrid platforms enable multifunctional drug delivery, regulate the wound microenvironment, and support intelligent, responsive interventions. By summarizing both mechanistic insights and translational opportunities, we hope to offer perspectives that will guide future research and clinical applications in complex wound management.