A self-stabilized and water-responsive deliverable coenzyme-based polymer binary elastomer adhesive patch for...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Oral Medicine

Background:

• Oral ulcers present treatment challenges due to poor biomaterial adhesion and low drug efficacy.
• Existing treatments often suffer from short retention times in the oral cavity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a self-stabilized, water-responsive elastomer adhesive patch for enhanced oral ulcer treatment.
• To investigate the therapeutic potential of a poly(sodium α-lipoate)/poly(α-lipoic acid) binary synergistic system.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a binary synergistic elastomer patch using poly(sodium α-lipoate) (PolyLA-Na) and poly(α-lipoic acid) (PolyLA).
• Utilized hydrogen bonding for cross-linking to ensure stability and controlled release.
• Evaluated patch performance in mouse and mini-pig oral ulcer models.

Main Results:

• The PolyLA-Na/PolyLA patch demonstrated water-responsive, sustainable delivery of α-lipoic acid-based molecules.
• Achieved durable adhesion to oral mucosal wounds.
• Accelerated oral ulcer healing by modulating inflammation, stabilizing microbiota, and promoting re-epithelialization and angiogenesis.

Conclusions:

• The developed binary synergistic patch offers a promising therapeutic strategy for oral ulcer treatment.
• This innovative biomaterial enhances drug delivery and wound healing through sustained release and adhesion.