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Updated: Jun 25, 2025
Polymeric Microneedle Array Fabrication by Photolithography
Published on: November 17, 2015
A Versatile Cryomicroneedle Patch for Traceable Photodynamic Therapy
Yashi Li1, Xingxing Li1, Gang He1
1Marshall Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, International Cancer Center, Laboratory of Evolutionary Theranostics (LET), School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
Abstract:
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) continues to encounter multifarious hurdles, stemming from the ineffectual preservation and delivery system of photosensitizers, the dearth of imaging navigation, and the antioxidant/hypoxic tumor microenvironment. Herein, a versatile cryomicroneedle patch (denoted as CMN-CCPH) is developed for traceable PDT. The therapeutic efficacy is further amplified by catalase (CAT)-induced oxygen (O2) generation and Cu2+-mediated glutathione (GSH) depletion. The CMN-CCPH is composed of cryomicroneedle (CMN) as the vehicle and CAT-biomineralized copper phosphate nanoflowers (CCP NFs) loaded with hematoporphyrin monomethyl ether (HMME) as the payload. Importantly, the bioactive function of HMME and CAT can be optimally maintained under the protection of CCPH and CMN for a duration surpassing 60 days, leading to bolstered bioavailability and notable enhancements in PDT efficacy. The in vivo visualization of HMME and oxyhemoglobin saturation (sO2) monitored by fluorescence (FL)/photoacoustic (PA) duplex real-time imaging unveils the noteworthy implications of CMN-delivered CCPH for intratumoral enrichment of HMME and O2 with reduced systemic toxicity. This versatile CMN patch demonstrates distinct effectiveness in neoplasm elimination, underscoring its promising clinical prospects.
Insights
A novel cryomicroneedle patch delivers photosensitizers for traceable photodynamic therapy (PDT), enhancing tumor oxygen levels and improving treatment efficacy with reduced toxicity.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Photodynamic Therapy
Background:
- Photodynamic therapy (PDT) faces challenges including poor photosensitizer delivery, lack of imaging guidance, and tumor microenvironment issues.
- Effective strategies are needed to improve photosensitizer stability, bioavailability, and therapeutic outcomes in PDT.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a traceable cryomicroneedle patch (CMN-CCPH) for enhanced photodynamic therapy (PDT).
- To improve photosensitizer preservation, delivery, and tumor oxygenation for amplified therapeutic efficacy.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a cryomicroneedle patch (CMN) loaded with catalase-biomineralized copper phosphate nanoflowers (CCP NFs) containing hematoporphyrin monomethyl ether (HMME).
- Evaluation of HMME and catalase stability within the CMN-CCPH over 60 days.
- In vivo assessment using fluorescence (FL)/photoacoustic (PA) imaging to monitor HMME distribution and oxygen saturation (sO2).
- Assessment of therapeutic efficacy in tumor elimination and systemic toxicity.
Main Results:
- The CMN-CCPH maintained the bioactivity of HMME and catalase for over 60 days, enhancing bioavailability.
- Catalase-induced oxygen generation and Cu2+-mediated glutathione depletion improved PDT efficacy.
- Real-time FL/PA imaging confirmed intratumoral HMME and oxygen enrichment with reduced systemic toxicity.
- Significant tumor elimination was observed with the CMN-CCPH treatment.
Conclusions:
- The developed CMN-CCPH is a versatile platform for traceable PDT, overcoming key therapeutic hurdles.
- This approach significantly enhances PDT efficacy through improved drug delivery, oxygen generation, and real-time monitoring.
- The CMN-CCPH shows promising potential for clinical translation in cancer therapy.
