Diabetic wound healing with a microneedle patch

A new microneedle-based technology combines MXene hydrogel, nitric oxide, and gene delivery to improve diabetic wound healing. The approach targets inflammation and impaired angiogenesis simultaneously.

Chronic wounds are a major challenge in diabetic wound care, often associated with prolonged healing, inflammation, and reduced blood vessel formation. Researchers from Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Southeast University, and Wenzhou Medical University have developed a microneedle patch that addresses these mechanisms in a targeted way. The study was published in the journal Engineering.

Diabetic wounds are characterized by excessive inflammation, impaired angiogenesis, and delayed tissue regeneration. Conventional therapies often struggle to penetrate the skin barrier and mainly treat symptoms rather than underlying biological processes. This creates a need for advanced wound healing technologies that enable targeted delivery of therapeutic agents.

The newly developed microneedle (MN) patch is based on a biocompatible MXene gelatin hydrogel. It enables controlled delivery of nitric oxide (NO) and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) plasmid nanoparticles.

The system incorporates Gel-SNO polymers, allowing NO release under near-infrared (NIR) light. At the same time, MXene enhances photothermal conversion, enabling rapid dissolution of the microneedles and release of therapeutic agents directly into the dermis.

The therapeutic concept combines two key mechanisms in regenerative medicine:

• Nitric oxide (NO): reduces inflammation by lowering pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6 and TNF-α
• HIF-1α plasmid: stimulates angiogenesis by increasing vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)

This dual approach targets both inflammation control and neovascularization, which are critical for effective wound healing.

In vitro studies showed significant anti-inflammatory effects, while in vivo experiments in a diabetic mouse model demonstrated clear therapeutic benefits:

• wound closure rate of 98 percent by day 10
• reduced inflammation
• increased angiogenesis
• improved re-epithelialization

Histological analyses further confirmed enhanced granulation tissue formation and more organized collagen deposition, indicating improved tissue remodeling.

Additional immunohistochemical findings revealed decreased IL-6 levels (inflammation marker) and increased VEGFA and CD31 expression (angiogenesis markers). These results highlight improved extracellular matrix reconstruction and vascularization, both essential for sustainable wound healing.

The study demonstrates that MXene hydrogel microneedles can combine drug delivery and gene therapy in a minimally invasive format. This approach may offer new options for treating:

• diabetic wounds
• chronic non-healing wounds
• other complex tissue injuries

Further research is needed to validate clinical applications and optimize the technology for routine use in wound management and regenerative medicine.

MEDICA-tradefair.com; Source: Frontiers Journals