Dextran-based microneedle patch Co-delivering safflower polysaccharide and ROS-responsive tetramethylpyrazine...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Wound Healing

Background:

• Diabetic wounds exhibit impaired healing due to inflammation, oxidative stress, and poor neurovascular regeneration.
• Conventional therapies struggle to address the complex microenvironment of diabetic wounds.
• Multifunctional therapeutic strategies are crucial for effective diabetic wound management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a polysaccharide-based hydrogel microneedle (MN) system for enhanced diabetic wound healing.
• To co-deliver tetramethylpyrazine (TMP) and safflower polysaccharide (SPS) using a reactive oxygen species (ROS)-responsive release mechanism.
• To promote neurovascular regeneration and modulate the wound microenvironment.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a methacrylated dextran (DexMA)-based hydrogel incorporating SPS.
• Encapsulation of TMP into ROS-responsive micelles (PPS-HA) for redox-sensitive delivery.
• Development of a D/SPS/T@P-H MN patch with mechanical integrity and dermal penetration capabilities.
• In vitro and in vivo evaluation of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, pro-angiogenic, and neuroregenerative effects.

Main Results:

• The D/SPS/T@P-H MN patch exhibited sustained release and effective dermal penetration.
• In vitro studies demonstrated significant antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, pro-angiogenic, and neuroregenerative activities.
• In vivo studies showed accelerated wound closure in diabetic rats, supported by transcriptomic analysis of immune modulation and neurovascular repair pathways.

Conclusions:

• A multifunctional, ROS-responsive hydrogel microneedle system was successfully developed.
• The system enables targeted drug delivery and synergistic tissue regeneration for diabetic wounds.
• This materials-based approach offers a promising solution for treating complex diabetic wound healing challenges.