[Preparation and evaluation of chitosan-based light source-loaded soluble microneedles]

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Oncology

Context:

• Tumor treatment remains a significant challenge, necessitating innovative therapeutic strategies.
• Photodynamic therapy (PDT) and drug delivery offer promising avenues for cancer treatment.
• Microneedle (MN) technology presents a minimally invasive approach for enhanced therapeutic delivery.

Purpose:

• To design and characterize a novel chitosan-based microneedle patch (LLH-CSMN) loaded with high-energy photons for combined drug delivery and photodynamic therapy.
• To evaluate the drug release kinetics, mechanical properties, and skin penetration capabilities of the developed microneedle patch.
• To assess the long-term photothermal properties and therapeutic efficacy of the microneedle system for tumor treatment.

Summary:

• A controlled and sustained-release drug-loaded microneedle patch (LED-losartan-HEMA/CS-MN, LLH-CSMN) was successfully developed using chitosan and high-energy photons.
• The LLH-CSMN demonstrated effective skin channel formation for drug delivery and photodynamic therapy.
• In vitro studies showed sustained release of losartan, with 93% released over 6 days, indicating controllable slow-release characteristics and long-term photoassisted therapy effects.

Impact:

• This research introduces a promising new platform for localized and sustained drug delivery combined with photodynamic therapy.
• The developed microneedle patch offers a safe and effective strategy for tumor treatment with potential for improved patient outcomes.
• LLH-CSMN provides a foundation for further development of advanced microneedle-based therapies in oncology.