Localized and controlled antibiotic therapy via microneedles: A biomedical approach to antimicrobial resistance

A recent study introduces a microneedle-based transdermal platform for localized, controlled antibiotic delivery aimed at combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Using E. coli and S. aureus as model organisms, researchers tested polymeric microneedles loaded with ampicillin, ciprofloxacin, and kanamycin. The microneedles showed excellent mechanical strength, rapid dissolution, and strong antibacterial activity, effectively inhibiting bacterial growth and biofilms in vitro. By enabling precise, localized drug release directly at the infection site, this innovative approach could improve treatment outcomes and help reduce the emergence of antibiotic resistance.