Integration of polysaccharide electrospun nanofibers with microneedle arrays promotes wound regeneration: A review

Harnessing Ultrasonic Technologies to Treat Staphylococcus Aureus Skin Infections

The rise of antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains, particularly MRSA, complicates the management of skin and soft tissue infections. This review highlights ultrasonic methodologies as adjunctive therapies to combat S. aureus-driven skin infections and prevent progression to biofilm formation and chronic wounds. Low- and high-frequency ultrasound (LFU and HFU) demonstrate potential in disrupting biofilms, enhancing drug delivery, and promoting tissue repair through cavitation and microbubble activity. These approaches integrate ultrasonic frequencies with microbubbles and therapeutics, such as antibiotics and affimers, to minimize resistance and improve healing. Tailoring the bioeffects of ultrasound on skin structures through localized delivery technologies, including microneedle patches and piezoelectric systems, presents promising solutions for early intervention in skin and soft structure infections (SSSIs).

Therapeutic Potential of Microneedle Assisted Drug Delivery for Wound Healing: Current State of the Art, Challenges, and Future Perspective

Microneedles (MNs) appear as a transformative and minimally invasive platform for transdermal drug delivery, representing a highly promising strategy in wound healing therapeutics. This technology, entailing the fabrication of micron-scale needle arrays, enables the targeted and efficient delivery of bioactive agents into the epidermal and dermal layers without inducing significant pain or discomfort. The precise penetration of MNs facilitates localized and sustained drug release, which significantly enhances tissue regeneration and accelerates wound closure. Furthermore, MNs can be engineered to encapsulate essential bioactive compounds, including antimicrobial agents, growth factors, and stem cells, which are critical for modulating the wound healing cascade and mitigating infection risk. The biodegradable nature of these MNs obviates the need for device removal, rendering them particularly advantageous in the management of chronic wounds such as diabetic ulcers and pressure sores. The integration of nanotechnology within MNs further augments their drug-loading capacity, stability, and controlled-release kinetics, offering a sophisticated therapeutic modality. This cutting-edge approach has the potential to redefine wound care by optimizing therapeutic efficacy, reducing adverse effects, and enhancing patient adherence. As MN technology advances, its application in wound healing exemplifies a dynamic frontier within biomedical engineering and regenerative medicine.

Composite microneedles loaded with Astragalus membranaceus polysaccharide nanoparticles promote wound healing by curbing the ROS/NF-κB pathway to regulate macrophage polarization

The healing of chronic diabetic wounds remains a formidable challenge in modern times. In this study, a novel traditional Chinese medicine microneedle patch was designed based on the physiological characteristics of wounds, with properties including hemostasis, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and induction of angiogenesis. Initially, white peony polysaccharide (BSP) with hemostatic properties and carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS) with antimicrobial capabilities were used as materials for microneedle fabrication. To endow it with antimicrobial, procoagulant, and adhesive properties. Among them, loaded with ROS-sensitive nanoparticles of Astragalus polysaccharides (APS) based on effective components baicalein (Bai) and berberine (Ber) from Scutellaria baicalensis (SB) and Coptis chinensis (CC) drugs (APB@Ber). Together, they are constructed into multifunctional traditional Chinese medicine composite microneedles (C/B@APB@Ber). Bai and Ber synergistically exert anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects. Microneedle patches loaded with BSP and APS exhibited significant effects on cell proliferation and angiogenesis induction. The combination of composite polysaccharides enabled the microneedles to adhere stably to wounds and provide sufficient strength to penetrate the biofilm and induce dispersion. The combination of composite polysaccharides enabled the microneedles to adhere stably to wounds and provide sufficient strength to penetrate the biofilm and induce dispersion. Therefore, traditional Chinese medicine multifunctional microneedle patches offer potential medical value in promoting the healing of diabetic wounds.

Ultrasonication-Induced Preparation of High-Mechanical-Strength Microneedles Using Stable Silk Fibroin

Silk fibroin (SF) is an ideal material for microneedle (MN) preparation. However, long extraction and short storage durations limit its application. Furthermore, MNs prepared from SF alone are easy to break during skin insertion. In this study, a regenerated SF solution was autoclaved and freeze-dried to produce a stable and water-soluble SF sponge. The freeze-dried SF (FD-SF) solution was ultrasonically treated before being used in the fabrication of MNs. The ultrasonically modified SFMNs (US-SFMNs) were evaluated in comparison to FD-SFMNs made from FD-SF and conventional SFMNs made from regenerated SF. The results indicated that the FD-SF could be completely dissolved in water and remained stable even after 8 months of storage. FTIR and XRD analyses showed that SF in US-SFMNs had increased β-sheet content and crystallization compared to FD-SFMNs, by 7.3% and 8.1%, respectively. The US-SFMNs had higher mechanical strength than conventional SFMNs and FD-SFMNs, with a fracture force of 1.55 N per needle and a rat skin insertion depth of 370 μm. The US-SFMNs also demonstrated enhanced transdermal drug delivery and enzymatic degradation in vitro. In conclusion, the autoclaving and freeze drying of SF, as well as ultrasonication-induced MN preparation, provide promising SF-based microneedles for transdermal drug delivery.

Advances in Polysaccharide-Based Microneedle Systems for the Treatment of Ocular Diseases

The eye, a complex organ isolated from the systemic circulation, presents significant drug delivery challenges owing to its protective mechanisms, such as the blood-retinal barrier and corneal impermeability. Conventional drug administration methods often fail to sustain therapeutic levels and may compromise patient safety and compliance. Polysaccharide-based microneedles (PSMNs) have emerged as a transformative solution for ophthalmic drug delivery. However, a comprehensive review of PSMNs in ophthalmology has not been published to date. In this review, we critically examine the synergy between polysaccharide chemistry and microneedle technology for enhancing ocular drug delivery. We provide a thorough analysis of PSMNs, summarizing the design principles, fabrication processes, and challenges addressed during fabrication, including improving patient comfort and compliance. We also describe recent advances and the performance of various PSMNs in both research and clinical scenarios. Finally, we review the current regulatory frameworks and market barriers that are relevant to the clinical and commercial advancement of PSMNs and provide a final perspective on this research area.

Promoting osteogenesis and bone regeneration employing icariin-loaded nanoplatforms

There is an increasing demand for innovative strategies that effectively promote osteogenesis and enhance bone regeneration. The critical process of bone regeneration involves the transformation of mesenchymal stromal cells into osteoblasts and the subsequent mineralization of the extracellular matrix, making up the complex mechanism of osteogenesis. Icariin's diverse pharmacological properties, such as anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and osteogenic effects, have attracted considerable attention in biomedical research. Icariin, known for its ability to stimulate bone formation, has been found to encourage the transformation of mesenchymal stromal cells into osteoblasts and improve the subsequent process of mineralization. Several studies have demonstrated the osteogenic effects of icariin, which can be attributed to its hormone-like function. It has been found to induce the expression of BMP-2 and BMP-4 mRNAs in osteoblasts and significantly upregulate Osx at low doses. Additionally, icariin promotes bone formation by stimulating the expression of pre-osteoblastic genes like Osx, RUNX2, and collagen type I. However, icariin needs to be effectively delivered to bone to perform such promising functions.Encapsulating icariin within nanoplatforms holds significant promise for promoting osteogenesis and bone regeneration through a range of intricate biological effects. When encapsulated in nanofibers or nanoparticles, icariin exerts its effects directly at the cellular level. Recalling that inflammation is a critical factor influencing bone regeneration, icariin's anti-inflammatory effects can be harnessed and amplified when encapsulated in nanoplatforms. Also, while cell adhesion and cell migration are pivotal stages of tissue regeneration, icariin-loaded nanoplatforms contribute to these processes by providing a supportive matrix for cellular attachment and movement. This review comprehensively discusses icariin-loaded nanoplatforms used for bone regeneration and osteogenesis, further presenting where the field needs to go before icariin can be used clinically.