Application of microneedle patches in the alleviation of cardiac infarction in animal models: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Myocardial infarction (MI) is associated with high mortality rates in the clinical setting. Microneedle patches (MNP) are sophisticated platforms for delivering various cargoes into target tissues with high efficiency rates. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the potential regenerative outcomes of MNP application, with or without cargo, in animal models of experimentally induced MI. Methods A comprehensive systematic search was performed using computerized databases, including Embase, PubMed, Scopus, WOS, and Google Scholar without language limitation, up to Dec 2025, to identify animal studies using MNP in various MI models. Two authors independently evaluated methodological quality according to the modified CAMARADES (Collaborative Approach to Meta-Analysis and Review of Animal Data from Experimental Studies) checklist. Data were extracted and reported by theme for both the control and experimental groups. Results Of A total of 458 studies, 21 papers preliminarily met the inclusion criteria for the systematic review, and subsequently, 18 studies were included in the meta-analysis. The overall effect size observed in the groups transplanting cargo containing MNP was compared to the matched control group. Data revealed enhanced ejection fraction (EF) (Standard difference in mean (SMD): 19.84; confidence interval (CI) 95%: 15.94–23.73), fractional shortening (FS) (SMD: 11.24; 95% CI: 8.91–13.56), angiogenesis (SMD: 14.32; CI 95%: 9.57–19.07), and reduced fibrosis (SMD: -11.12; 95% CI: -13.46, -8.78). Conclusion Our results indicated that MNP could be an alternative therapy to promote ischemic cardiac tissue healing, mainly by enhancing myocardial angiogenesis, and the reduction of fibrosis coincided with improved EF and FS. However, statistically significant heterogeneity was observed among studies. The protocol used was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42025615993).