Abstract: Microneedle arrays provided herein enable a minimally invasive platform for ocular drug delivery. Such a design and manufacture technique includes a conformable preformed interlocking mechanism configured about an elongated structure wherein the conformable preformed interlocking mechanism is arranged with a width that decreases in the needle tip direction and decreases in the base direction; and wherein each of the microneedles to include the conformable preformed interlocking mechanism is arranged to increase in area upon fluid tissue contact and decrease in area upon illumination with light.