The evolution of microfluidic and microneedle (MN)-integrated smart wearables has witnessed significant strides in recent years, underscoring a burgeoning interest in their multifunctional capabilities and transformative potential in healthcare. Fueled by the imperative to reconcile precise drug delivery with real-time physiological monitoring, researchers have concentrated on innovative design enhancements to optimize structural integrity and functional efficacy. Nevertheless, achieving this equilibrium presents considerable challenges, necessitating the deployment of advanced materials and cutting-edge fabrication methodologies to refine performance. This review undertakes a thorough analysis of contemporary advancements in microfluidic wearables that incorporate MNs. Microneedles facilitate minimally invasive access to the body, fulfilling dual functions in drug administration and diagnostics, while integrated microfluidic systems offer meticulous control, automated operations, and superior fluid handling capabilities. Collectively, MNs and microfluidics signify a potent convergence within biomedical engineering, with each component amplifying the operational capacity of the other. In conclusion, we address the pressing challenges and prospective directions for the advancement of MN-based smart wearables. With the continued evolution of these technologies, there lies immense potential to revolutionize treatment paradigms across a diverse array of medical conditions, thereby paving the way for more precise, adaptable, and patient-centered therapeutic interventions.
