Bioinspired 3D-Printed MXene and Spidroin-Based Near-Infrared Light-Responsive Microneedle Scaffolds for Efficient Wound Management

Abstract

Biomedical dressings have been comprehensively explored for wound healing; however, the complicated manufacturing process and mono-function of the dressing remain critical challenges for further applications. Here, a versatile extrusion three-dimensional (3D) printing strategy to prepare MXene and spidroin-incorporated microneedle scaffolds with photothermal responsive and self-healing properties for promoting wound healing is proposed. Inspired by the cactus, the microneedle scaffold is composed of a top porous scaffold, and microneedles whose inverse opal (IO) photonic crystal (PC) structure and the ample space between the scaffold gaps endow the microneedle scaffold with high drug-carrying capacity. Furthermore, the excellent electrical and photothermal properties of MXene allow the microneedle scaffold to perform sensitive wound movement monitoring and controlled drug release under nearinfrared irradiation. Moreover, the extensive hydrogen bonding and Schiff base between the spidroin, polyurethane (PU), and aloe vera gel (avGel) molecules conferred high self-healing and mechanical performance to the microneedle scaffold. In vivo experiments with rat models of wounds have shown that drug-laden microneedle scaffolds under near-infrared (NIR) light can promote the recovery of full-skin wounds. These unique characteristics suggest that 3D-printed multifunctional microneedle scaffolds show great potential for applications in facilitating wound healing and will find widespread applications in wound management.

A 3D-printed microneedle extraction system integrated with patterned electrodes for minimally invasive transdermal detection

“…Many types of polymer materials can be used for the 3D printing of microneedles. 27,34,36,37 In this study, the 3D-printed microneedle was manufactured with common acrylate-based photopolymer materials for 3D printing. The 3D-printed MN arrays were integrated with three types of sensors as representatives,…”

Multifunctional MXene-Based Platforms for Soft and Bone Tissue Regeneration and Engineering

“…30,75,78 For instance, a novel and adaptable extrusion-based 3D printing technique was presented for the fabrication of microneedle scaffolds incorporating MXene and spidroin. 116 These scaffolds exhibited unique properties such as photothermal responsiveness and self-healing capabilities, aimed at enhancing wound healing processes. Taking inspiration from the structure of a cactus, the microneedle scaffold consisted of a porous top scaffold and microneedles.…”

“…The microneedles exhibited an inverse opal photonic crystal structure, while the spacious gaps between the scaffold components contribute to a high capacity for drug delivery. 116 In addition, to fully understand the characteristics and capabilities of MXene-based scaffolds, it is crucial to explore the details regarding pore morphology, pore size, percentage, and fabrication methods employed. The morphology of MXene-based scaffolds can exhibit variations based on the selected fabrication method and the intended application.…”

Animal tissue-derived biomaterials for promoting wound healing

“…106 Drugs can now be delivered more effectively and through deeper skin layers thanks to MNs. [107][108][109][110] In light of this, a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) mold imitating a variety of MN cavities was created. Chen et al successfully used a methacrylate gelatin (GelMA) MN patch to deliver tazarotene and cell-derived exosomes transdermally.…”