Application of microneedle-based vaccines in biosecurity

Countries must have strong early warning, detection, and response capabilities in the face of the risks and challenges posed by major infectious diseases and bioterrorism threats. Vaccination is one of the most effective means for countries to maintain biosecurity and respond to bioterrorism attacks. Microneedles are emerging as a potential vaccine delivery method with minimal pain, no bleeding, and the ability to be self-administered, doing away with the need for professional health care workers. This last advantage, particularly if combined with room temperature preservation, could have an important role in improving national biosecurity through large-scale, rapid deployment of a biological vaccine. In this review, we summarized the research status of microneedles, including the types, materials, and production technologies of microneedles. Recent progress regarding microneedles in the field of biosecurity is introduced and challenges in its future application are discussed.