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Fabrication of Antibacterial Sponge Microneedles for Sampling Skin Interstitial Fluid
Jianmin Chen1,2,3, Xiaozhen Cai3, Wenqin Zhang1,3
1School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Putian 351100, China.
Abstract:
Microneedles (MNs) have recently garnered extensive interest concerning direct interstitial fluid (ISF) extraction or their integration into medical devices for continuous biomarker monitoring, owing to their advantages of painlessness, minimal invasiveness, and ease of use. However, micropores created by MN insertion may provide pathways for bacterial infiltration into the skin, causing local or systemic infection, especially with long-term in situ monitoring. To address this, we developed a novel antibacterial sponge MNs (SMNs@PDA-AgNPs) by depositing silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on polydopamine (PDA)-coated SMNs. The physicochemical properties of SMNs@PDA-AgNPs were characterized regarding morphology, composition, mechanical strength, and liquid absorption capacity. The antibacterial effects were evaluated and optimized through agar diffusion assays in vitro. Wound healing and bacterial inhibition were further examined in vivo during MN application. Finally, the ISF sampling ability and biosafety of SMNs@PDA-AgNPs were assessed in vivo. The results demonstrate that antibacterial SMNs enable direct ISF extraction while preventing infection risks. SMNs@PDA-AgNPs could potentially be used for direct sampling or combined with medical devices for real-time diagnosis and management of chronic diseases.
Insights
Novel antibacterial microneedles (MNs) prevent skin infections during interstitial fluid (ISF) extraction. These sponge MNs, coated with silver nanoparticles, offer a safe method for continuous monitoring and disease management.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Infectious Disease Research
Background:
- Microneedles (MNs) are promising for painless interstitial fluid (ISF) extraction and continuous monitoring.
- MN insertion can create pathways for bacterial infection, posing risks for long-term use.
- Developing infection-preventing MNs is crucial for safe biomedical applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop novel antibacterial microneedles for safe ISF extraction and monitoring.
- To create silver nanoparticle-decorated, polydopamine-coated sponge microneedles (SMNs@PDA-AgNPs).
- To evaluate the efficacy of SMNs@PDA-AgNPs in preventing infection and enabling ISF sampling.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of SMNs@PDA-AgNPs via silver nanoparticle deposition on polydopamine-coated sponge microneedles.
- Characterization of physicochemical properties: morphology, composition, mechanical strength, liquid absorption.
- In vitro antibacterial evaluation using agar diffusion assays.
- In vivo assessment of wound healing, bacterial inhibition, ISF sampling, and biosafety.
Main Results:
- SMNs@PDA-AgNPs exhibited desirable physicochemical properties.
- Optimized SMNs@PDA-AgNPs demonstrated significant in vitro antibacterial activity.
- In vivo studies confirmed bacterial inhibition and effective ISF extraction.
- The novel microneedles showed good wound healing and biosafety profiles.
Conclusions:
- Antibacterial SMNs@PDA-AgNPs effectively prevent infection during ISF extraction.
- These microneedles are suitable for direct sampling or integration into medical devices.
- Potential for real-time diagnosis and chronic disease management.
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