Microneedle Patches Based on Herbal Formulations for Biofilm Disruption and Management: A Comprehensive Review

Biofilms are highly organized microbial communities embedded in a self-produced extracellular matrix composed of polysaccharides, proteins, and DNA. These structures protect bacteria from antibiotics and immune responses, making biofilm-associated infections especially challenging to treat. Commonly associated with chronic wounds, implanted devices, and persistent infections, biofilms are involved in over 65% of bacterial infections globally. Their resilience and ability to promote antimicrobial resistance necessitate novel, localized treatment approaches. Microneedle (MN) technology provides a minimally invasive transdermal drug delivery system that can penetrate the skin’s outer layer (stratum corneum) to deliver therapeutic agents directly into affected tissues. MNs improve drug absorption, minimize systemic side effects, and enhance patient compliance. Recent advancements have enabled the integration of herbal formulations rich in bioactive phytochemicals, which possess antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties, into microneedle systems. Herbs such as Curcuma longa, Azadirachta indica, Andrographis paniculata, and Centella asiatica have demonstrated potent anti-biofilm activity through mechanisms like quorum-sensing inhibition, extracellular matrix disruption, and immune modulation. This review explores the formulation of herbal microneedle patches, including the selection of base materials, incorporation of herbal extracts, and fabrication methods. It also examines the mechanisms by which MNs physically disrupt biofilm structures and facilitate enhanced delivery of phytochemicals. The dual-action approach—mechanical penetration and phytochemical therapy—offers a synergistic strategy for managing biofilm-associated infections. Despite promising in vitro and early-stage research, challenges such as herbal standardization, extract stability, regulatory hurdles, and limited in vivo data must be addressed for clinical translation. Nevertheless, herbal microneedle patches represent a pioneering, eco-friendly alternative to conventional antibiotics and hold immense potential for future applications in chronic wound management, implant infections, and antimicrobial resistance mitigation.