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AgNPs-Modified Polylactic Acid Microneedles: Preparation and In Vivo/In Vitro Antimicrobial Studies

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Abstract

Objective

To prepare polylactic acid microneedles (PLAMNs) with sustained antibacterial effect to avoid skin infection caused by traditional MNs-based biosensors.

Methods

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized using an in-situ reduction process with polydopamine (PDA). PLAMNs were fabricated using the hot-melt method. A series of pressure tests and puncture experiments were conducted to confirm the physicochemical properties of PLAMNs. Then AgNPs were modified on the surface of PLAMNs through in-situ reduction of PDA, resulting in the formation of PLAMNs@PDA-AgNPs. The in vitro antibacterial efficacy of PLAMNs@PDA-AgNPs was evaluated using agar diffusion assays and bacterial liquid co-culture approach. Wound healing and simulated long-term application were performed to assess the in vivo antibacterial effectiveness of PLAMNs@PDA-AgNPs.

Results

The MNs array comprised 169 tiny needle tips in pyramidal rows. Strength and puncture tests confirmed a 100% puncture success rate for PLAMNs on isolated rat skin and tin foil. SEM analysis revealed the integrity of PLAMNs@PDA-AgNPs with the formation of new surface substances. EDS analysis indicated the presence of silver elements on the surface of PLAMNs@PDA-AgNPs, with a content of 14.44%. Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) testing demonstrated the rapid healing of micro-pores created by PLAMNs@PDA-AgNPs, indicating their safety. Both in vitro and in vivo tests confirmed antibacterial efficacy of PLAMNs@PDA-AgNPs.

Conclusions

In conclusion, the sustained antibacterial activity exhibited by PLAMNs@PDA-AgNPs offers a promising solution for addressing skin infections associated with MN applications, especially when compared to traditional MN-based biosensors. This advancement offers significant potential for the field of MN technology.

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Data Availability

Data will be made available on request.

Abbreviations

AgNPs:

Silver Nanoparticle

CIP-HCl:

Ciprofloxacin Hydrochloride

H:

Hour

HCL:

Hydrogen Chloride

ISF:

Interstitial Fluid

KBr:

Potassium Bromide

LB:

Luria-Bertani

Min:

Minute

MNs:

Microneedles

PCL:

Polycaprolactone

PDA:

Polydopamine

DA:

Dopamine

PLAMNs:

Polylactic Acid Microneedles

PE:

Polyethylene

TEWL:

Transepidermal Water Loss

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Funding

This study was supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China (NO. 82001926) and Science and Technology Bureau of Putian (NO. 2021ZP01).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, China

    Wenqin Zhang, Xinyi Zhang, Qiulong Zhang & Jianmin Chen

  2. School of Pharmacy and Medical Technology, Putian University, Putian, 351100, China

    Wenqin Zhang, Xiaozhen Cai, Xinyi Zhang, Shiqi Zou, Danhong Zhu, Qiulong Zhang & Jianmin Chen

  3. Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Analysis and Laboratory Medicine, Putian University, Putian, 351100, China

    Qiulong Zhang & Jianmin Chen

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  1. Wenqin Zhang
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  2. Xiaozhen Cai
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Contributions

Wenqin Zhang designed the experiment and wrote the manuscript. Xiaozhen Cai and Xinyi zhang analyzed the data. Danhong Zhu and Shiqi Zou Photo drew the figures. Jianmin Chen reviewed and revised the manuscript to determine the final version.

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Correspondence to Jianmin Chen.

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Zhang, W., Cai, X., Zhang, X. et al. AgNPs-Modified Polylactic Acid Microneedles: Preparation and In Vivo/In Vitro Antimicrobial Studies. Pharm Res 41, 93–104 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11095-023-03634-6

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