Smart Light-Activated Microneedles with Copper-Doped Prussian Blue for Targeted Propionibacterium acnes Eradication
Xuan He1, Chaofeng Wang1, Hongbo Wang1
1School of Health Science & Biomedical Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300401, China.
Abstract:
Acne is a chronic inflammatory skin disease primarily caused by an infection with Propionibacterium acnes, which compromises skin integrity and impairs patients' quality of life. Conventional antibiotic treatments face challenges, including bacterial resistance and poor lesion penetration. To address these limitations, we developed copper-doped Prussian Blue (CuPB) hyaluronic acid (HA) microneedles (MNs) (Cu10PB-HA@MNs). This nonantibiotic system combines photothermal therapy (PTT) and photodynamic therapy (PDT) for dual antibacterial and reparative effects. Cu2+ doping enhances PB's plasmon resonance, achieving rapid heating (exceeding 50 °C in 3 min) while reducing its band gap to facilitate charge carrier transfer and electron-hole (e-/h+) separation. Under the acne microenvironment, these photoexcited carriers generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) via oxygen/water reactions. The optimized PTT/PDT system demonstrates exceptional antibacterial efficacy (99.76% against P. acnes, 99.65% against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus)). Additionally, photothermally released HA, Cu, and Fe ions stimulate collagen deposition, accelerating skin regeneration. The Cu10PB-HA@MN platform offers a simple yet effective therapeutic strategy for treating acne.
Insights
This study introduces novel copper-doped Prussian Blue hyaluronic acid microneedles for acne treatment. The non-antibiotic approach uses photothermal and photodynamic therapies to effectively kill bacteria and promote skin healing.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Dermatology
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Acne vulgaris is a common inflammatory skin condition with limited treatment options.
- Conventional antibiotics for acne face challenges like bacterial resistance and poor drug delivery.
- Novel therapeutic strategies are needed to overcome existing treatment limitations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a non-antibiotic microneedle system for acne treatment.
- To combine photothermal therapy (PTT) and photodynamic therapy (PDT) for enhanced efficacy.
- To evaluate the antibacterial and skin regenerative properties of copper-doped Prussian Blue hyaluronic acid microneedles (CuPB-HA@MNs).
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of copper-doped Prussian Blue (CuPB) hyaluronic acid (HA) microneedles (MNs).
- Investigation of Cu2+ doping effects on PB plasmon resonance and band gap.
- Evaluation of PTT/PDT efficacy against Propionibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus aureus.
- Assessment of collagen deposition and skin regeneration stimulated by released HA, Cu, and Fe ions.
Main Results:
- CuPB-HA@MNs achieved rapid heating (>50 °C in 3 min) via PTT.
- The system generated reactive oxygen species (ROS) for PDT under acne microenvironment conditions.
- Exceptional antibacterial efficacy was observed: 99.76% against P. acnes and 99.65% against S. aureus.
- Photothermally released ions stimulated collagen deposition, accelerating skin regeneration.
Conclusions:
- The developed CuPB-HA@MNs offer a dual-action, non-antibiotic therapeutic strategy for acne.
- This platform effectively combats acne-causing bacteria through combined PTT and PDT.
- The microneedles promote skin regeneration, addressing both infection and tissue repair aspects of acne treatment.
