Toward next-generation smart medical care wearables: where microfluidics meet microneedles

Abstract

The integration of microneedles (MNs) with microfluidic platforms has emerged as a transformative approach for developing next-generation smart wearable devices aimed at precise drug delivery and real-time physiological monitoring. This review introduces a multifunctional wearable device that combines the minimally invasive penetration of MNs with the dynamic fluid manipulation capabilities of microfluidics to enhance wound care and chronic disease management. We systematically examine recent advancements in materials, structural design, and manufacturing techniques that enable this integration, highlighting the role of porous, hollow, and bioinspired microneedles in synergistic drug administration and biosensing. By leveraging microfluidic control, these devices enable autonomous therapeutic modulation and high-resolution biomarker detection with potential for closed-loop feedback systems. This convergence of MNs and microfluidics paves the way for intelligent, personalized healthcare solutions with broad applicability beyond wound healing, including telemedicine, chronic condition management, and on-demand therapy.