Methacrylated sericin/methacrylated hyaluronic acid composite microneedles with exosomes for diabetic wound healing

Skin wounds that arise from diabetes and chronic wound conditions present significant challenges in clinical care. Microneedle patches can puncture the skin epidermis and deliver drugs directly to the injured tissue rendering them particularly effective for wound healing, while hydrogel offers a physical barrier, moisture retention, and oxygen permeability at wound sites. Therefore, in this study, a novel microneedle patch drug delivery system that employs methacrylated sericin and methacrylated hyaluronic acid as substrates was developed. Exosomes released from the tip portion are found to improve the proangiogenic, and reactive oxygen species and inflammation inhibitory properties of the microneedle patch. A zeolite imidazole framework-8 encapsulated in the backing portion of the microneedle to form a protective layer over the wound surface inhibits bacteria and prevents infection by foreign pathogens. The designed multifunctional microneedle patch accelerates the healing of diabetic wounds, offering a promising therapeutic approach.