Harnessing microarray projection patch technology for targeted agri-ceutical delivery

The precise delivery of agrochemicals with minimal environmental impact remains a major challenge in modern agriculture. Microarray Projection Patches (MAPs), inspired by their success in biomedical drug delivery, are emerging as a promising technology for the targeted administration of agri-ceuticals into specific plant tissues. This review provides a concise overview of the evolution of MAPs from transdermal therapeutic platforms to innovative agricultural tools. Various MAP formats, including solid, coated, hollow, hydrogel-forming, and dissolving systems, are discussed in the context of their adaptation for plant applications. Key focus areas include materials selection, fabrication techniques (e.g., micromilling, photolithography), and the physicochemical mechanisms governing delivery into vascular structures such as the xylem and phloem. Recent advances in microfabrication have enabled the development of customisable, cost-effective MAPs as resource-efficient agri-materials , with the potential to improve uptake efficiency, reduce agrochemical waste, and enhance plant health. The review also highlights how these systems contribute to precision agriculture by enabling localised, controlled dosing at the tissue level. Additionally, we examine the comparative environmental footprint of MAP-mediated delivery versus conventional spraying methods and present a preliminary economic perspective on scalability and implementation. By promoting efficient and localised agrochemical application, MAPs offer a transformative approach to boost crop resilience and productivity, with potential implications for sustainable food production and global food security. • Precision Delivery Challenge in Agriculture: Conventional agrochemical delivery lacks precision, causing inefficiency, runoff, and input waste. • MAP Technology for Agri-Ceuticals: Microarray Projection (MAP) patches are explored as precise, minimally invasive plant delivery platforms. • Plant Interface and Uptake Efficiency: MAPs penetrate the cuticle and dissolve in vascular tissue, enabling efficient systemic uptake. • Scalable Micromoulding Fabrication: Low-cost micromoulding enables scalable MAP production with geometries tailored to plant morphologies. • Environmental Stewardship: MAP delivery reduces runoff, spray drift, and over-application linked to conventional spraying methods. • Economic and Resource Efficiency: MAPs reduce agrochemical dose and frequency, offering long-term cost and resource savings. • Sustainability via Microengineering: Biodegradable materials and targeted delivery support sustainable and responsible agriculture.