Skin-Interfaced Therapeutic Patches for Wound Fluid Management and Transdermal Drug Delivery

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Drug Delivery Systems

Background:

• Delayed wound healing presents significant clinical challenges, often exacerbated by infection and limitations in current treatment modalities.
• Existing wound dressings and transdermal drug delivery systems face hurdles such as complex formulations and reliance on external equipment, impacting patient compliance.
• Effective management of wound exudate and targeted delivery of regenerative agents are critical for improving healing outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a novel skin-interfaced therapeutic patch integrating wound fluid management and transdermal drug delivery.
• To overcome the limitations of conventional wound care by offering a convenient, self-contained system.
• To enhance tissue regeneration and accelerate wound healing through a multifunctional approach.

Main Methods:

• A skin-interfaced patch was designed, incorporating a microfluidic system for wound fluid collection and preservation with a hydrogel film.
• An iontophoresis module utilizing bio-derived DNA polymers was integrated for efficient transdermal delivery of therapeutic agents.
• The patch's efficacy was evaluated through comprehensive in vitro and in vivo studies.

Main Results:

• The integrated patch successfully managed wound fluid, maintaining optimal hydration and providing a protective barrier.
• The iontophoresis system facilitated direct and efficient delivery of therapeutic agents, promoting tissue regeneration.
• In vitro and in vivo studies demonstrated significantly accelerated and robust tissue regeneration in treated wounds.

Conclusions:

• The developed multifunctional therapeutic patch offers a promising solution for managing non-healing wounds.
• This integrated system enhances wound healing by combining effective fluid management with targeted transdermal drug delivery.
• The study highlights the potential of this innovative patch for improving patient outcomes in wound care and regenerative medicine.