ROS-Responsive Microneedle Patch for Acne Vulgaris Treatment

Acne vulgaris is a common inflammatory skin disease associated with a colonization of Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes), which can cause both physiological and psychological impact to the patients. Although antibiotic cream is commonly used to treat acne, limited transport of drug to the lesions within the pilosebaceous unit leads to poor bactericidal effect. Here, the authors described a new method of drug administration using a reactive oxygen species (ROS)-responsive microneedle (MN) patch for anti-acne therapy. Compared to the commonly used anti-acne cream, enhanced efficacy toward dermis lesions can be achieved through the skin penetration by MNs. A controlled and sustained drug release in response to the over-generated ROS within acne is also important for improving the antibacterial effect and reducing the side effects. In addition, the patch base, formed by hyaluronic acid (HA) and diatomaceous earth (DE) with high physical adsorption capability, is beneficial for accelerating healing of skin via the absorption of pus and dead cell debris. In vivo studies in a P. acnes-induced mouse model demonstrated this bioresponsive patch with adsorption capability could efficiently reduce the skin swelling and inhibit the bacterial growth.