A microneedle patch applicator system, comprising: an applicator, comprising: a housing; a slidably disposed applicator plate, moveable between a retracted position and a deployed position in a reciprocating manner, the applicator plate having an engaging surface; a compression spring mounted within the applicator and in contact with and applying a spring force to the applicator plate when the applicator plate is in the retracted position; a microneedle patch docking mechanism which provides a removable coupling of the microneedle patch with applicator and holding the microneedle patch in a position proximal the engaging surface of the applicator plate while the applicator plate is in the retracted position; a latch mechanism that when latched holds the applicator plate in place and when unlatched permits the applicator plate to move; and the microneedle patch disposed on a support; characterised in that, wherein upon placement of the applicator onto the microneedle patch and the support, application of force to the applicator causes retraction of the applicator plate to the retracted position and capture of the microneedle patch by the docking mechanism. an applicator, comprising: a housing; a slidably disposed applicator plate, moveable between a retracted position and a deployed position in a reciprocating manner, the applicator plate having an engaging surface; a compression spring mounted within the applicator and in contact with and applying a spring force to the applicator plate when the applicator plate is in the retracted position; a microneedle patch docking mechanism which provides a removable coupling of the microneedle patch with applicator and holding the microneedle patch in a position proximal the engaging surface of the applicator plate while the applicator plate is in the retracted position; a latch mechanism that when latched holds the applicator plate in place and when unlatched permits the applicator plate to move; and the microneedle patch disposed on a support; characterised in that, wherein upon placement of the applicator onto the microneedle patch and the support, application of force to the applicator causes retraction of the applicator plate to the retracted position and capture of the microneedle patch by the docking mechanism. a housing; a slidably disposed applicator plate, moveable between a retracted position and a deployed position in a reciprocating manner, the applicator plate having an engaging surface; a compression spring mounted within the applicator and in contact with and applying a spring force to the applicator plate when the applicator plate is in the retracted position; a microneedle patch docking mechanism which provides a removable coupling of the microneedle patch with applicator and holding the microneedle patch in a position proximal the engaging surface of the applicator plate while the applicator plate is in the retracted position; a latch mechanism that when latched holds the applicator plate in place and when unlatched permits the applicator plate to move; and the microneedle patch disposed on a support; characterised in that, wherein upon placement of the applicator onto the microneedle patch and the support, application of force to the applicator causes retraction of the applicator plate to the retracted position and capture of the microneedle patch by the docking mechanism.