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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.
Abstract:
Dissolving microneedles (DMNs) represent promising platforms for painless transdermal drug delivery and biosensing, yet integrating multifunctionality with sustainable recyclability via photo-curable additive manufacturing strategy remains challenging. Here we report a multifunctional, pioneering 3D-printed DMNs patch combining a ternary polymerizable deep eutectic solvent (PDES) system with a recyclable eutectogel backing layer. DMNs, formulated with biocompatible choline chloride, itaconic acid, and N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone, enable rapid photopolymerization and excellent mechanical strength for effective skin penetration. Chitosan-based glucose-responsive nanoparticles incorporated into the DMNs facilitate controlled and responsive drug release, demonstrating in diabetic rats a rapid blood glucose reduction to 18.7 % of initial levels within 3 h post-administration, sustained for 4 h while minimizing hypoglycemic risk. The conductive, adhesive, and antibacterial eutectogel backing layer offers superior properties for wound dressing and wearable sensors, also serving as a real-time health monitor for human movements. In diabetic mouse models, the CHPG-TA@CUR-DMN@NPs system achieved 68.08 % wound closure by day 10, significantly accelerating healing with reduced inflammation and scarring. The backing layer is designed for easy dissolution and recycling after use, highlighting the eco-friendly and cost-effective nature of our all-in-one integrated multi-material DMNs platform.

