Smart Patch Delivers Hydrogen to Heal Diabetic Wounds Faster
- Authors
- Pei Wang, Jiayingzi Wu, Haiyan Yang, Hengke Liu, Tianyu Yao, Chang Liu, Yan Gong, Mingsong Wang, Guangyu Ji, Peng Huang, Xiansong Wang
- Journal
- Bioactive Materials
- Year
- 2023
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2023.01.001
- Study Type
- Cell Culture
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Country
- China
- Health Condition
- Diabetes Mellitus
- Body System
- Integumentary
TL;DR
Scientists have created a special skin patch that releases healing substances to improve wound healing in people with diabetes.
Key Finding
A microneedle patch that releases hydrogen gas and magnesium ions showed promise in laboratory cell studies for reducing harmful inflammation and promoting wound healing in diabetic conditions.
Summary
Researchers developed a special patch containing magnesium hydride that can be applied to skin using tiny needles. When the patch contacts body fluids, it releases hydrogen gas and magnesium ions. In laboratory cell studies, these released substances reduced harmful molecules called reactive oxygen species (which accumulate in diabetic wounds) and promoted healing-related immune cells, potentially improving wound healing in diabetes.
Practical Takeaway
This is early-stage laboratory research in cells only—not yet tested in animals or humans. While the concept of sustained hydrogen and magnesium release is interesting, much more research is needed before any conclusions can be drawn about effectiveness for diabetic wound healing in people.
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus, an epidemic with a rapidly increasing number of patients, always leads to delayed wound healing associated with consistent pro-inflammatory M1 polarization, decreased angiogenesis and increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the microenvironment. Herein, a poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA)-based microneedle patch loaded with magnesium hydride (MgH2) (MN-MgH2) is manufactured for defeating diabetic wounds. The application of microneedle patch contributes to the transdermal delivery and the prolonged release of MgH2 that can generate hydrogen (H2) and magnesium ions (Mg2+) after reaction with body fluids. The released H2 reduces the production of ROS, transforming the pathological microenvironment induced by diabetes mellitus. Meanwhile, the released Mg2+ promotes the polarization of pro-healing M2 macrophages. Consequently, cell proliferation and migration are improved, and angiogenesis and tissue regeneration are enhanced. Such intelligent microneedle patch provides a novel way for accelerating wound healing through steadily preserving and releasing of H2 and Mg2+ locally and sustainably.