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Polymeric Microneedle Array Fabrication by Photolithography
Published on: November 17, 2015
Nitric oxide-releasing poly(ionic liquid)-based microneedle for subcutaneous fungal infection treatment
Qiuyang Zhang1, Zijun Zhang1, Xiuyang Zou1
1Jiangsu Engineering Laboratory of Novel Functional Polymeric Materials, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Negative Carbon Technologies College of Chemistry, Suzhou Key Laboratory of Soft Material and New Energy, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China. guojn@suda.edu.cn.
Abstract:
Poor permeation of therapeutic agents and similar eukaryotic cell metabolic and physiological properties of fungi and human cells are two major challenges that lead to the failure of current therapy for fungi-induced skin and soft tissue infections. Herein, a nitric oxide (NO)-releasing poly(ionic liquid)-based microneedle (PILMN-NO) with the capacity of deep persistent NO toward subcutaneous fungal bed is presented as a synergistic antifungal treatment strategy to treat subcutaneous fungal infection. Upon the insertion of PILMN-NO into skin, the contact fungicidal activities induced by electrostatic and hydrophobic effects of poly(ionic liquid) and the released NO sterilization resulting from the peroxidation and nitrification effect of NO achieved enhanced antifungal efficacy against fungi (Candida albicans) both in vitro and in vivo. Simultaneously, PILMN-NO showed biofilm ablation ability and efficiently eliminated mature biofilms. In vivo fungal-induced subcutaneous abscess studies revealed that PILMN-NO could effectively sterilize fungi while suppressing the inflammatory reaction, facilitating collagen deposition and angiogenesis, and promoting wound healing. This work provides a new strategy to overcome the difficulties in deep skin fungal infection treatment and has potential for further exploitation of NO-releasing microbicidal therapy.
Insights
This study introduces a novel nitric oxide (NO)-releasing microneedle for treating deep fungal skin infections. The microneedles offer enhanced antifungal efficacy and promote wound healing by delivering NO effectively.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Mycology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Fungal skin infections pose treatment challenges due to poor drug permeation and similar cell properties between fungi and humans.
- Current therapies often fail for subcutaneous fungal infections, necessitating innovative treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a nitric oxide (NO)-releasing poly(ionic liquid)-based microneedle (PILMN-NO) for synergistic antifungal treatment.
- To address the limitations of current therapies for deep-seated fungal skin and soft tissue infections.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of poly(ionic liquid)-based microneedles loaded with nitric oxide (PILMN-NO).
- In vitro and in vivo evaluation of PILMN-NO against Candida albicans, including biofilm ablation.
- Assessment of PILMN-NO's effects on inflammation, collagen deposition, angiogenesis, and wound healing in vivo.
Main Results:
- PILMN-NO demonstrated potent in vitro and in vivo antifungal activity against Candida albicans through combined electrostatic/hydrophobic effects and NO release.
- The microneedles effectively eradicated mature fungal biofilms.
- In vivo studies showed PILMN-NO sterilized fungi, reduced inflammation, and promoted wound healing by facilitating collagen deposition and angiogenesis.
Conclusions:
- PILMN-NO presents a promising synergistic strategy for treating deep fungal skin infections, overcoming drug permeation challenges.
- This NO-releasing microneedle technology offers potential for advanced microbicidal therapies in dermatology.
