Sustained-Release Ulcer-Protective Microarray Patch With Dihydrocapsaicin for Diabetic Wound Regeneration

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are a major clinical challenge with current treatments often failing to address oxidative stress and angiogenesis.
• Effective management requires strategies that tackle these issues throughout the healing process.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an innovative microneedle (MN)-based drug delivery system for DFU treatment.
• To incorporate cerium-based metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) loaded with dihydrocapsaicin (DHC) into a Gelatin Methacryloyl (GelMA) hydrogel MN system.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a GelMA hydrogel microneedle system loaded with MOFs and DHC (MN-MOF@DHC).
• Evaluation of the sustained release profile of DHC.
• Assessment of the system's effects on reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, macrophage polarization, and endothelial cell angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo models.

Main Results:

• The MN-MOF@DHC system demonstrated a sustained DHC release profile suitable for whole-course wound management.
• Significant reduction in ROS levels was observed.
• Promoted M1 to M2 macrophage phenotype transformation, indicating reduced inflammation.
• Enhanced endothelial cell angiogenesis, crucial for tissue repair.
• Markedly accelerated wound closure in DFU models.

Conclusions:

• The developed MN-MOF@DHC platform effectively addresses oxidative stress and impaired angiogenesis in DFUs.
• This advanced microneedle system shows significant potential as a therapeutic strategy for accelerating diabetic wound healing.