Flexible Microneedle Array Patch for Chronic Wound Oxygenation and Biofilm Eradication

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Wound Healing Research
• Infectious Disease Therapeutics

Background:

• Chronic nonhealing wounds affect millions, posing a significant socioeconomic burden.
• Bacterial biofilms in wounds impede healing by creating physical and chemical barriers.
• Current biofilm removal methods like debridement are painful and nonselective.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a flexible microneedle array for codelivering oxygen and bactericidal agents.
• To overcome physicochemical barriers in chronic wounds, specifically bacterial biofilms.
• To offer a less invasive alternative to traditional wound debridement.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a flexible polymer composite microneedle array using UV polymerization (polyvinylpyrrolidone and calcium peroxide on a PET substrate).
• In vitro testing on Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative (Pseudomonas aeruginosa) bacteria in liquid and biofilm cultures.
• Ex vivo testing on a porcine wound model to assess microneedle insertion and bactericidal efficacy.
• In vitro cytocompatibility assessment using human dermal fibroblast cells.

Main Results:

• Microneedles dissolved over 2 hours, elevating oxygen levels by 8–12 ppm.
• Demonstrated significant bactericidal effects against both planktonic and biofilm bacteria.
• Successful insertion and bactericidal activity observed in a porcine wound model.
• High cytocompatibility with <10% apoptosis in human dermal fibroblasts over 6 days.

Conclusions:

• The flexible microneedle array effectively delivers oxygen and bactericidal agents to combat biofilms in chronic wounds.
• This technology offers a promising approach for enhanced topical oxygenation and treatment of antibiotic-resistant wound infections.
• Microneedle technology presents a less painful and more targeted alternative for chronic wound management.