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Near-infrared triggered on-demand local anesthesia using a jammed microgels system
Qiying Pang1, Jia Zhao2, Shuchi Zhang1
1Department of Anesthesiology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji University, Shanghai, China.
This study introduces a novel near-infrared (NIR)-activated drug delivery system using jammed microgels for on-demand local anesthesia. The system allows for controlled pain management through repeated NIR irradiation, demonstrating its potential in managing pain effectively.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Drug Delivery Systems
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Developing on-demand local anesthesia systems is crucial for adaptable pain management.
- Existing methods lack precise control over analgesia duration and intensity.
- Microgel-based systems offer potential for localized and controlled drug release.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a near-infrared (NIR)-activated drug delivery system for on-demand local anesthesia.
- To create jammed microgels capable of controlled drug release upon NIR stimulation.
- To evaluate the efficacy of this system in a preclinical pain management model.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of double network (DN) microgels containing N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM), methylallyl polyethylene glycol (APEG), and graphene oxide (GOs).
- Characterization of thermosensitive and NIR-responsive properties of DN microgels.
- In vitro assessment of ropivacaine release triggered by NIR irradiation.
- Evaluation of a jammed microgel system's injectability and in vivo analgesic effect in rat footpads.
Main Results:
- DN microgels exhibited thermosensitive properties and NIR-responsive volume shrinkage.
- NIR irradiation (272 mW/cm²) rapidly increased microgel temperature to 40°C, causing 14% volume shrinkage.
- Ropivacaine release was effectively triggered by NIR irradiation in vitro.
- Subcutaneous injection of jammed DN microgels in rats allowed for on-demand and repeated infiltration anesthesia upon NIR exposure.
Conclusions:
- The developed NIR-activated jammed microgel system enables on-demand and tunable local anesthesia.
- This system demonstrates significant potential for effective pain management through controlled drug delivery.
- The shear-thinning behavior of jammed microgels facilitates practical administration for localized pain relief.
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