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Updated: Jun 9, 2025
Polymeric Microneedle Array Fabrication by Photolithography
Published on: November 17, 2015
Soluble hyaluronic acid microneedle arrays mediated RGD-modified liposome delivery for pain relief during
Dongqin Lei1, Jing Xin1, Fen Qin1
1Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, Institute of Biomedical Photonics and Sensing, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710049, PR China.
Abstract:
In photodynamic therapy (PDT), reactive oxygen species (ROS) are key products that induce cell death, and increasing amount of ROS is a crucial way to enhance PDT efficacy. However, the generated ROS stimulates the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 channel (TRPV1), which can be activated in the pain pathway and then exacerbate pain. Herein, we utilized arginine-glycine-aspartate (RGD) peptide-modified liposomes for encapsulation Chlorin e6 (Ce6) and capsazepine (Cz), a receptor antagonist of TRPV1, to prepare drug-loaded liposomes, RLCC. Soluble hyaluronic acid microneedle arrays (MNs), which possess sufficient skin penetration capability and excellent biosafety, was applied for in situ delivery of RLCC. With the aid of RGD peptides, the efficiency of intracellular liposomal uptake and the dispersion of drugs in tumor after delivery by MNs were significantly enhanced, showcasing tremendous potential for improving the PDT efficacy. Besides, through the analysis of sciatic nerve signals in mice during PDT, RLCC demonstrated remarkable effectiveness in alleviating pain by significantly reducing nerve impulses. Hence, RLCC demonstrated outstanding effectiveness in PDT and effectively alleviated the associated pain. Overall, this research highlights the potential of utilizing MNs for the in situ delivery of RLCC, facilitating effective PDT while addressing the issue of pain during the treatment.
Insights
This study developed RGD peptide-modified liposomes (RLCC) for photodynamic therapy (PDT). RLCC effectively enhances tumor treatment and significantly reduces therapy-induced pain by targeting TRPV1 channels.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Photodynamic therapy (PDT) relies on reactive oxygen species (ROS) for cancer cell death.
- Generated ROS can activate transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) channels, leading to pain.
- Developing strategies to enhance PDT efficacy while mitigating pain is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To create a novel drug delivery system for enhanced PDT.
- To investigate the pain-alleviating effects of the developed system.
- To evaluate the potential of microneedle arrays for in situ drug delivery.
Main Methods:
- Encapsulation of Chlorin e6 (photosensitizer) and capsazepine (TRPV1 antagonist) into RGD peptide-modified liposomes (RLCC).
- In situ delivery of RLCC using hyaluronic acid microneedle arrays (MNs).
- Assessment of intracellular uptake, drug dispersion, and pain reduction via sciatic nerve signal analysis in mice.
Main Results:
- RGD peptide modification significantly enhanced liposomal uptake and tumor drug dispersion.
- RLCC delivered via MNs showed improved PDT efficacy.
- RLCC demonstrated significant pain alleviation by reducing nerve impulses during PDT.
Conclusions:
- RLCC is a promising platform for effective PDT with reduced pain.
- Microneedle arrays offer an efficient method for in situ delivery of RLCC.
- This approach holds potential for improving cancer treatment outcomes and patient comfort.
