Carrier-Free Nanoadjuvant-Loaded Bilayer Microneedles for Programmed and Individualized Cancer Chemo-Immunotherapy

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) exhibits low response rates to current immunotherapies. In this study, we present a double-layer dissolvable microneedle (MN) patch consisting of chemotherapeutic drugs in the shell layer and a carrier-free nanoadjuvant in the core for boosted chemo-immunotherapy. The rapid release of doxorubicin (DOX) elicits immunogenic cell death (ICD) to induce the production of tumor-associated antigens (TAAs). Subsequently, the carrier-free nanoadjuvants are sustainably released for capturing TAAs and generating personalized nanovaccines in situ. The controlled, on-demand biphasic release of chemodrug and nanoadjuvant is proved highly effective in suppressing the growth of tumors and potentiating the antitumor immune response. Ultimately, combining MN patches and antiprogrammed cell death protein-1 (aPD-1) results in a more pronounced therapeutic response. Our work introduces a double-layer detachable MN patch as an implanted microreservoir for copackaging and biphasic release of drugs with distinct therapeutic effects, offering a promising avenue for advanced synergistic immunotherapy.