Visible light-driven photodynamic therapy for hypertrophic scars with MOF armored microneedles patch

Abstract

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is widely used for the treatment of hypertrophic scars in clinical practice. However, the low transdermal delivery of photosensitizers in scar tissue and protective autophagy induced by Photodynamic therapy greatly reduces the therapeutic efficiency. Therefore, it is necessary to deal with these difficulties for overcoming obstacles in Photodynamic therapy treatment. In this study, a photosensitizer with photocatalytic performance was designed and synthesized using innovative MOFs (metal-organic frameworks). Additionally, the MOFs, together with an autophagy inhibitor chloroquine (CQ), was loaded in a high mechanical strength microneedle patch (MNP) for transdermal delivery. With these functionalized MNP, photosensitizers and chloroquine were delivered deep inside hypertrophic scars. Inhibition of autophagy increases the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) under high-intensity visible-light irradiation. Multiprong approaches have been used to remove obstacles in Photodynamic therapy and successfully enhance its anti-scarring effect. In vitro experiments indicated that the combined treatment increased the toxicity of hypertrophic scar fibroblasts (HSFs), downregulated the level of collagen type I expression as well as transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)expression, decreased the autophagy marker protein LC3II/I ratio, increased the expression of P62. In vivo experiments showed that the MNP had good puncture performance, and significant therapeutic effects were observed in the rabbit ear scar model. These results indicate that functionalized MNP has high potential clinical value.

Synergistic applications of cyclodextrin-based systems and metal–organic frameworks in transdermal drug delivery for skin cancer therapy

“…According to histological analysis, the MOF nanoparticles were delivered into the deep scar tissue by microneedles, resulting in the promotion of good inhibitory growth effect of hypertrophic scars through MOF-based PDT therapy. 191…”

“…According to histological analysis, the MOF nanoparticles were delivered into the deep scar tissue by microneedles, resulting in the promotion of good inhibitory growth effect of hypertrophic scars through MOF-based PDT therapy. 191 8.2. CD-MOF-based transdermal drug delivery system CD-MOF nanoparticles possess both the properties of MOFs, such as permanent porosity, robust crystallinity, and favorable biocompatibility, along with the drug encapsulation efficiency of cyclodextrins, and so demonstrate as a new potential drug delivery system.…”

Application and progress of new technologies and new materials in the treatment of pathological scar

“…This therapeutic principle behind this combination of multiple new technologies is to use light to drive a therapeutic photosensitive drug within the MNs. For instance, Chen et al (2023) designed a light-driven MN patch to deliver the photosensitizer MOFs (CuOx@MIL-101) and the autophagy inhibitor chloroquine (CQ) deep into the HTS. It is important to note that Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) can generate a high level of hydroxyl radicals when exposed to visible light, which can cause cell death and reduce collagen deposition.…”

Design Strategy of Microneedle Systems for Skin Wound Healing: Based on the Structure of Tips and Therapeutic Methodologies

“…This prevents external contamination and maintains a moist environment to promote wound healing. Chen et al 122 developed microneedle patches that enhance ROS levels and treat scars (Figure 9c). MOF photosensitizer and autophagy inhibitor chloroquine were delivered to scar tissue via soluble microneedle.…”