Intelligent Microneedles Patch with Wireless Self-Sensing and Anti-Infective Actions

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Traditional microneedles (MNs) are effective for wound infections but lack real-time monitoring and controlled drug release.
• Current MN technology often leads to uncontrolled antibiotic release, limiting treatment efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an intelligent microneedle patch (SP-CSMN) with integrated temperature monitoring, wireless communication, and responsive drug delivery for wound infections.
• To create a self-sensing system that enables precise, on-demand antibiotic release based on wound temperature.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a chitosan-based MN patch incorporating temperature-sensitive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) for rifampicin encapsulation.
• Integration of a sensing chip for continuous temperature monitoring and Bluetooth communication for real-time feedback.
• In vitro and in vivo evaluation of temperature-induced drug release, antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, and wound healing acceleration in infected mice.

Main Results:

• The SP-CSMN demonstrated precise, temperature-triggered release of rifampicin.
• The system showed enhanced in vitro antibacterial activity against common wound pathogens.
• In vivo studies confirmed sensitive wound temperature monitoring and accelerated wound healing in infected mice.

Conclusions:

• The developed SP-CSMN offers a novel, self-sensing, and intelligent platform for managing bacterial wound infections.
• This advanced MN system provides a promising solution for controlled drug delivery and improved wound healing outcomes.
• The technology facilitates real-time wound monitoring and automated therapeutic intervention.