Quercetin-encapsulated GelMa hydrogel microneedle reduces oxidative stress and facilitates wound healing
Yi Yi, Zihui Yang, Chuchao Zhou, Yanqing Yang, Yiping Wu, Qi Zhang
Abstract
Delayed wound healing brings additional physical, mental, and financial burdens. Microneedles (MNs) are a novel dressing form and can incorporate drug delivery systems. Quercetin is known for its remarkable antioxidant capacity and may have a distinctive effect on wound healing. We designed and constructed gelatin methacryloyl (GelMa) MNs carrying Quercetin (Q-MNs). In vitro, the physical properties, cell safety, cell migration, angiogenesis, collagen formation, and oxidative stress levels, were performed to characterize Q-MNs. In vivo, the full-thickness skin wound models were established to evaluate the re-epithelialization and oxidative stress impact of the control, MN, and Q-MN groups. The Q-MNs were mechanically strong enough to penetrate the skin for sustained drug delivery and possessed good biocompatibility. Moreover, the Q-MNs evidently facilitated wound healing both in vitro and in vivo, and promoted collagen formation and neo-angiogenesis, and the reduction of oxidative stress levels. The Q-MNs could motivate wound healing with enhanced collagen formation and vascularization and decreased oxidative stress levels, thus providing a feasible strategy for wound healing.