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Updated: May 22, 2025

Fabrication of Size-Controlled and Emulsion-Free Chitosan-Genipin Microgels for Tissue Engineering Applications
Published on: April 13, 2022
3D printed eutectogel dissolving microneedles patch loaded with chitosan-based nanoparticles for diabetic wound
Huan Liu1, Aminov Nail1, Decheng Meng1
1Key Laboratory of Cluster Science of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Medical Molecule Science and Pharmaceutics Engineering of Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, 100081 Beijing, China.
This study introduces innovative 3D-printed dissolving microneedles (DMNs) with a recyclable backing for advanced transdermal drug delivery and biosensing. The DMNs effectively manage blood glucose and accelerate wound healing in diabetic models.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Drug Delivery Systems
- Additive Manufacturing
Background:
- Dissolving microneedles (DMNs) offer painless transdermal delivery but integrating multifunctionality and recyclability is challenging.
- Photo-curable additive manufacturing presents a novel strategy for creating advanced DMN platforms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a multifunctional, 3D-printed DMN patch with a recyclable backing layer.
- To integrate controlled, responsive drug release and biosensing capabilities into the DMN system.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of DMNs using a ternary polymerizable deep eutectic solvent (PDES) system and a recyclable eutectogel backing.
- Incorporation of chitosan-based glucose-responsive nanoparticles for drug delivery.
- In vivo testing in diabetic rat and mouse models for glucose control and wound healing.
Main Results:
- The DMNs demonstrated rapid photopolymerization and effective skin penetration.
- Controlled glucose reduction of 18.7% within 3 hours in diabetic rats, sustained for 4 hours.
- Accelerated wound closure (68.08% by day 10) in diabetic mice with reduced inflammation and scarring.
Conclusions:
- The developed DMN platform offers a multifunctional, eco-friendly, and cost-effective solution for transdermal drug delivery and biosensing.
- The recyclable eutectogel backing enhances the platform's utility for wound dressing and wearable health monitoring.
- This integrated multi-material DMNs system shows significant potential for managing diabetes and promoting wound healing.

