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Chessboard Microneedle Array for Inflammation Regulation via Spatiotemporally Controlled Drug Delivery
Yechun Jiang1, Yongqi Gou2, Hui Shen2
1School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, P.R. China.
Abstract:
Excessive production of reactive oxygen species during photodynamic therapy (PDT) can exacerbate inflammation at the infection site and increase the risk of tumor metastasis, thereby posing significant challenges to treatment efficacy. In this study, a chessboard-structured microneedle patch (HPC@PCN CMN) was designed using a micromolding technique. This design spatially separates and encapsulates photosensitizers and antioxidants within distinct fast- and sustained-release microneedle systems, respectively, thereby achieving spatiotemporally ordered control of PDT and anti-inflammatory treatment. Additionally, by adjusting the crosslinking degree of hyaluronic acid, the release rate of antioxidant drugs can be regulated, which facilitates a prolonged anti-inflammatory effect. The results indicate that the anti-inflammatory process of HPC@PCN CMN can alleviate inflammation by inhibiting the ATP-P2RX4 pathway, demonstrating promising efficacy in the treatment of acne and melanoma. Overall, the developed chessboard microneedle platform is programmable, enabling not only the sequential regulation of oxidation-antioxidation but also the potential for broader applications in drug-delivery scenarios.
Insights
A novel microneedle patch spatially separates photosensitizers and antioxidants to control inflammation during photodynamic therapy (PDT). This approach shows promise for treating acne and melanoma by inhibiting key inflammatory pathways.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Drug Delivery Systems
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Photodynamic therapy (PDT) can cause excessive reactive oxygen species, leading to inflammation and potential tumor metastasis.
- Current PDT strategies face challenges in managing treatment-induced inflammation and its side effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a microneedle patch for spatiotemporally controlled photodynamic therapy (PDT) and anti-inflammatory treatment.
- To investigate the efficacy of a chessboard-structured microneedle patch (HPC@PCN CMN) in managing inflammation and improving therapeutic outcomes.
Main Methods:
- A chessboard-structured microneedle patch (HPC@PCN CMN) was fabricated using a micromolding technique.
- Photosensitizers and antioxidants were spatially separated within distinct fast- and sustained-release microneedle systems.
- The release rate of antioxidants was regulated by adjusting the crosslinking degree of hyaluronic acid.
Main Results:
- The HPC@PCN CMN patch achieved spatiotemporally ordered control of PDT and anti-inflammatory treatment.
- The anti-inflammatory effect was mediated by the inhibition of the ATP-P2RX4 pathway.
- The microneedle platform demonstrated efficacy in treating acne and melanoma models.
Conclusions:
- The developed chessboard microneedle platform offers programmable, sequential regulation of oxidation-antioxidation.
- This innovative drug-delivery system has potential for broader applications beyond PDT, particularly in managing inflammation.
