Genipin-crosslinked CeO₂-incorporating Janus patch for oral ulcer treatment

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Oral Medicine

Background:

• Oral ulcers and mucositis present clinical management challenges due to the oral environment and inflammation.
• Conventional topical treatments have limited efficacy due to poor retention and durability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a dual-layered Janus oral patch for effective oral ulcer treatment.
• To integrate wet-tissue adhesion, localized drug delivery, and redox regulation.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a Janus patch with gallic acid-conjugated chitosan (CHI-G) and triamcinolone acetonide in one layer, and CeO2 nanozymes in a genipin-crosslinked CHI-G network in the other.
• Evaluation of patch adhesion, barrier function, and biocompatibility *in vitro* and *in vivo*.
• Assessment of therapeutic efficacy in a mouse oral ulcer model using histological and immunohistochemical analyses.

Main Results:

• The Janus patch demonstrated strong wet-tissue adhesion, salivary shear resistance, and bacterial barrier function.
• Biosafety assessments confirmed excellent biocompatibility and no systemic cerium accumulation.
• The patch significantly accelerated wound closure, enhanced re-epithelialization, reduced inflammation, and mitigated oxidative stress in vivo.

Conclusions:

• The genipin-stabilized CeO2 nanozyme-integrated Janus patch offers a robust, localized, and clinically relevant therapeutic strategy for oral ulcers.
• This design overcomes limitations of conventional topical treatments for oral mucosal conditions.