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Updated: Jun 28, 2025
Polymeric Microneedle Array Fabrication by Photolithography
Published on: November 17, 2015
pH- and Matrix Metalloproteinase-Responsive Multifunctional Bilayer Microneedles Platform for Treatment of Tinea
Musheng Yang1,2,3, Lingling Pan1,2,3, Hongmei Tian1,2,3
1Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Bioactive Substances, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
Abstract:
Persistent foot odor and itchiness are common symptoms of tinea pedis, significantly disrupting the daily life of those affected. The cuticular barrier at the site of the tinea pedis is thickened, which impedes the effective penetration of antifungal agents. Additionally, fungi can migrate from the skin surface to deeper tissues, posing challenges in the current clinical treatment for tinea pedis. To effectively treat tinea pedis, we developed a platform of bilayer gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) microneedles (MNs) loaded with salicylic acid (SA) and FK13-a1 (SA/FK13-a1@GelMA MNs). SA/FK13-a1@GelMA MNs exhibit pH- and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-responsive properties for efficient drug delivery. The MNs are designed to deliver salicylic acid (SA) deep into the stratum corneum, softening the cuticle and creating microchannels. This process enables the antibacterial peptide FK13-a1 to penetrate through the stratum corneum barrier, facilitating intradermal diffusion and exerting antifungal and anti-inflammatory effects. In severe cases of tinea pedis, heightened local pH levels and MMP activity further accelerate drug release. Our research demonstrates that SA/FK13-a1@GelMA MNs are highly effective against Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Trichophyton rubrum, and Candida albicans. They also reduced stratum corneum thickness, fungal burden, and inflammation in a guinea pig model of tinea pedis induced by T. mentagrophytes. Furthermore, it was discovered that SA/FK13-a1@GelMA MNs exhibit excellent biocompatibility. These findings suggest that SA/FK13-a1@GelMA MNs have significant potential for the clinical treatment of tinea pedis as well as other fungal skin disorders.
Insights
New microneedles deliver antifungal drugs effectively through the skin barrier to treat tinea pedis. This innovative treatment targets fungal infections, reducing inflammation and improving skin health for persistent foot odor and itch relief.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Biomaterials Science
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
Background:
- Tinea pedis causes persistent foot odor and itchiness, with thickened skin impeding antifungal penetration.
- Fungal migration into deeper tissues complicates current tinea pedis treatments.
- Developing novel drug delivery systems is crucial for effective tinea pedis management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate bilayer gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) microneedles (MNs) loaded with salicylic acid (SA) and FK13-a1 for tinea pedis treatment.
- To investigate the pH- and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-responsive drug release properties of the SA/FK13-a1@GelMA MNs.
- To assess the efficacy and biocompatibility of SA/FK13-a1@GelMA MNs in treating fungal skin infections.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of bilayer GelMA microneedles loaded with salicylic acid (SA) and FK13-a1.
- Utilizing SA to soften the stratum corneum and create microchannels for FK13-a1 penetration.
- Employing pH- and MMP-responsive properties for targeted and accelerated drug release in severe cases.
- Evaluating antifungal activity against Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Trichophyton rubrum, and Candida albicans.
- Assessing efficacy in a guinea pig model of tinea pedis, measuring stratum corneum thickness, fungal burden, and inflammation.
- Evaluating the biocompatibility of the developed microneedle system.
Main Results:
- SA/FK13-a1@GelMA MNs demonstrated effective delivery of SA and FK13-a1 into the stratum corneum.
- The microneedles showed significant antifungal activity against key tinea pedis pathogens.
- A reduction in stratum corneum thickness, fungal burden, and inflammation was observed in the animal model.
- The system exhibited excellent biocompatibility, indicating a favorable safety profile.
Conclusions:
- SA/FK13-a1@GelMA MNs represent a promising platform for enhanced tinea pedis treatment.
- The pH- and MMP-responsive microneedles overcome skin barrier challenges for effective drug delivery.
- This technology holds potential for treating tinea pedis and other fungal skin disorders.
