Photothermal-Responsive Soluble Microneedle Patches for Meibomian Gland Dysfunction Therapy

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Biomaterials Science
• Drug Delivery Systems

Background:

• Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is a primary cause of evaporative dry eye.
• Current topical treatments struggle to reach meibomian glands effectively.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel soluble microneedle (MN) patch for targeted transdermal delivery of PPAR-γ agonists.
• To evaluate the efficacy of rosiglitazone-loaded MN (ROSI-MN) patches in treating MGD.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a soluble MN patch using PVA, cyclodextrin-modified polyacrylic acid, and indocyanine green.
• Near-infrared ray-induced temperature changes to control drug release and liquefy meibum.
• In vitro and in vivo biosafety assessment and therapeutic evaluation in a high-fat diet-induced MGD mouse model.

Main Results:

• The MN patch demonstrated mechanical strength for skin penetration and confirmed biosafety for eyelid application.
• ROSI-MN treatment significantly reduced ocular surface damage, lipid deposits, glandular hypertrophy, and inflammation in MGD mice.
• Improved meibomian gland microstructure and biofunction were observed after treatment.

Conclusions:

• Soluble MN patches offer a promising strategy for delivering PPAR-γ agonists to treat MGD.
• This delivery system effectively addresses meibomian gland obstruction and improves ocular surface health.
• The developed MN patches show potential for treating various ocular surface diseases.