Mxene-based mild hyperthemia microneedle patch for diabetic wound healing

Abstract

The treatment of diabetic wounds remains a serious challenge due to the unfavorable diabetic microenvironment, characterized by high glucose levels, excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS), and chronic inflammation. For decades, several hypoglycemic drugs have been used clinically to decrease blood glucose levels; however, they are unable to regulate in situ hyperglycemic microenvironments. In this study, we introduced a poly (γ-glutamic acid) (γ-PGA)-based microneedle (MN) patch encapsulated with glucose oxidase (GOx)-loaded Ti3C2 MXene nanosheets (MXene) termed MN-PGA-MXene-GOx. GOx, which lowers local glucose and pH by oxidizing glucose, is delivered deep into tissues via the MN patch, while MXene ensures its prolonged release. When the MN patch is exposed to external NIR light, MXene can induce mild hyperthermia, enhance the catalytic activity of GOx, and promote cell proliferation, migration, angiogenesis, and tissue remodeling. Both γ-PGA and MXene possess antioxidant properties, mitigating ROS in the diabetic environment and reducing hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) produced during glucose oxidation. In conclusion, this multifunctional microneedle patch provides a novel approach for accelerating diabetic wound healing, utilizing GOx and MXene for in-situ glucose management and mild hyperthermia.