A Cu@ZIF-8 encapsulated antibacterial and angiogenic microneedle array for promoting wound healing

Skin wounds caused by external injuries remain a serious challenge in clinical practice. Wound dressings that are antibacterial, pro-angiogenic, and have potent regeneration capacities are highly desirable for wound healing. In this study, a minimally invasive and wound-friendly Cu@ZIF-8 encapsulated PEGDA/CMCS microneedle (MN) array was fabricated using the molding method to promote wound healing. The MNs had good biocompatibility, excellent mechanical strength, as well as strong antibacterial properties and pro-angiogenic effects. When incubated with H₂O₂, Cu@ZIF-8 nanoparticles generated reactive oxygen species, which contributed to their antibacterial properties. Due to the oxidative stress of the cupric ions released from Cu@ZIF-8 and the anti-bacterial capability of the PEGDA/CMCS hydrogel scaffold, such an MN array presents excellent antibacterial activity. Moreover, with the continuous release of Cu ions from the scaffold, such MNs are effective in terms of promoting angiogenesis. With considerable biocompatibility and a minimally invasive approach, the degradable MN array composed of PEGDA/CMCS possessed superior capabilities to continuously and steadily release the loaded ingredients and avoid secondary damage to the wound. Benefiting from these features, the Cu@ZIF-8 encapsulated degradable MN array can dramatically accelerate epithelial regeneration and neovascularization. These results indicated that the combination of Cu@ZIF-8 and degradable MN arrays is valuable in promoting wound healing, which opened a new window for treatment of skin defection.