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A dissolvable microneedle patch co-delivering Zerumbone and ICG for combined chemo-photothermal therapy of melanoma
Qing Zhu1,2,3, Kaiyi Zhang4, Bin Wang1,2,3
1Department of Dermatology, The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, NO.89, Donggang Road, Yuhua District, Shijiazhuang City, 050031, Hebei Province, China.
Abstract:
Melanoma is an aggressive form of skin cancer arising from melanocytes, noted for its high metastatic potential and elevated mortality rate. Conventional treatment approaches are often limited by nonspecific systemic drug distribution, which can result in undesirable adverse effects and premature drug degradation. In this study, we report the development of a microneedle (MN)-mediated delivery platform, incorporating self-assembling polymeric micelles, combining a dissolvable MN patch with polymeric micelles designed to prevent ICG aggregation and co-encapsulate ZER and ICG, and enable combined chemotherapy and photothermal therapy against melanoma. These nanocarriers, referred to as ZER-ICG-polymer micelles, co-encapsulate Zerumbone (ZER)-a lipophilic sesquiterpenoid-and indocyanine green (ICG), a well-known photothermal agent. In vitro cytotoxicity assessments and intracellular distribution studies confirm a marked synergistic therapeutic effect under NIR light exposure, facilitating localized thermal ablation of melanoma cells. In vivo experiments using melanoma-bearing mice demonstrate that a single application of the ZER-ICG-loaded dissolvable microneedle patch, coupled with NIR irradiation, achieves potent photothermal performance and robust tumor growth inhibition, while inducing minimal systemic toxicity and negligible side effects. These findings highlight the promising potential of this transdermal delivery system for the treatment of superficial malignant tumors.
Insights
This study developed a microneedle patch delivering Zerumbone and indocyanine green for melanoma treatment. The system combines chemotherapy and photothermal therapy, showing potent tumor inhibition with minimal side effects.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Cancer Therapy
Background:
- Melanoma is an aggressive skin cancer with high mortality.
- Conventional treatments face challenges with drug distribution and side effects.
- Novel delivery systems are needed for effective melanoma therapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a microneedle (MN)-mediated delivery platform for combined chemotherapy and photothermal therapy against melanoma.
- To co-encapsulate Zerumbone (ZER) and indocyanine green (ICG) into polymeric micelles for transdermal delivery.
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the ZER-ICG-loaded MN patch for melanoma treatment.
Main Methods:
- Development of self-assembling polymeric micelles encapsulating ZER and ICG.
- Fabrication of dissolvable microneedle patches loaded with ZER-ICG micelles.
- In vitro cytotoxicity and intracellular distribution studies.
- In vivo efficacy studies in melanoma-bearing mice using NIR irradiation.
Main Results:
- ZER-ICG micelles demonstrated synergistic cytotoxicity against melanoma cells under NIR light.
- The microneedle patch facilitated localized thermal ablation of melanoma cells.
- In vivo studies showed potent photothermal performance and significant tumor growth inhibition.
- The treatment induced minimal systemic toxicity and negligible side effects.
Conclusions:
- The developed microneedle patch effectively delivers ZER and ICG for combined chemo-photothermal therapy.
- This transdermal system offers a promising approach for treating superficial malignant tumors like melanoma.
- The platform minimizes systemic toxicity, enhancing therapeutic potential.
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