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Gradient-Decalcified Cuttlebone Powder-Loaded Hierarchical Microneedles: A Synergistic Therapeutic Strategy for
Ningning Zhai1,2,3, Shanshan Xu1,2,3, Zongpu Qiu1,2,3
1School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, P. R. China.
Advanced Healthcare Materials
|July 19, 2026
Summary
Gradient-decalcified microneedles loaded with cuttlebone powder and silver nanoparticles effectively treat chronic diabetic wounds. These microneedles reduce inflammation, inhibit bacteria, and promote healing by enhancing vascularization and collagen deposition.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Regenerative Medicine
- Wound Healing Research
Background:
- Chronic diabetic wounds present challenges due to persistent inflammation and bacterial infections.
- Cuttlebone powder (CBP) has therapeutic properties but limited topical application due to poor permeability.
- Microneedle (MN) fabrication from mineralized materials requires balancing mechanical properties with drug release.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop gradient-decalcified microneedles (MNs) incorporating cuttlebone powder (CBP) and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) for enhanced diabetic wound treatment.
- To optimize MN properties for improved skin penetration, sustained bioactive release, and mechanical integrity.
- To evaluate the efficacy of these MNs in promoting wound healing in a diabetic mouse model.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of three types of gradient-decalcified CBP MNs (undecalcified, partially decalcified, completely decalcified) using acetic acid treatment.
- Integration of CBP and AgNPs within a gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) matrix, backed by a chitosan hydrogel.
- In vitro assessment of antibacterial activity, cell proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis; in vivo evaluation in a diabetic mouse wound model.
Main Results:
- Partially decalcified CBP MNs (PDCBP@MNs) demonstrated an optimal balance of mechanical strength and sustained release of Ag+ and bioactive components.
- In vitro studies showed significant inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, alongside enhanced cell proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis.
- In vivo studies in diabetic mice revealed that PDCBP@MNs accelerated wound closure by reducing inflammation, promoting vascular maturation, and increasing collagen deposition.
Conclusions:
- Hierarchically designed PDCBP@MNs effectively leverage the therapeutic potential of CBP for diabetic wound management.
- The developed MN system offers a promising translational strategy for addressing chronic diabetic wounds.
- Optimized decalcification of CBP in MNs enhances both mechanical properties and therapeutic payload delivery for wound healing.
