In recent years, significant advancements have been made in drug delivery systems using microneedles. Researchers have developed a rocket microneedle drug delivery system that uses a self-propulsion mechanism for deep penetration into the skin and tumor microenvironment. This article discusses the use of rocket microneedles made of mesoporous silica nanoparticles and other materials for the treatment of melanoma, a type of skin cancer.
Rocket Microneedles for Melanoma Treatment
Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that occurs when pigment-producing cells mutate and become cancerous. It is one of the most aggressive types of skin cancer and can be deadly if not treated early. Rocket microneedles are promising for melanoma treatment due to their ability to reach the deep layers of skin and tumor microenvironment.
Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles in Rocket Microneedles
The top layer of the rocket microneedles consists of mesoporous silica nanoparticles, which are covalently bonded to a photosensitizer and loaded with trametinib, a small-molecule drug targeting overactive MEK pathways in melanoma cells. The unique feature of these nanoparticles is their ability to penetrate deep into the tumor and be internalized by melanoma cells.
Enzyme-crosslinked Hyaluronic Acid and Collagenase in Rocket Microneedles
The bottom layer of the rocket microneedles consists of enzyme-crosslinked hyaluronic acid and collagenase. This layer acts as a rocket booster that reshapes the extracellular matrix (ECM) of the tumor tissue and promotes the penetration of nanoparticles. When the microneedles penetrate the skin, the bottom layer expands into a hydrogel that regulates drug release, promotes diffusion, and distribution.
Combination Therapy for Melanoma Treatment
The rocket microneedles system is designed to combine targeted therapy and photodynamic therapy (PDT) to improve the efficacy of melanoma treatment. Trametinib targets overactive MEK pathways, reducing ERK kinase phosphorylation levels. On the other hand, photosensitizer Pc-Si responds to external infrared light stimulation, generating reactive oxygen species, which enable PDT therapy. Combined targeted and PDT therapy significantly increases the killing of melanoma cells, inhibiting melanoma growth.
The use of rocket microneedles for the treatment of melanoma shows tremendous potential. With their ability to penetrate deep into the tumor and their ability to combine targeted and PDT therapy, these microneedles could revolutionize melanoma treatment. Researchers are optimistic that this novel drug delivery system will contribute to the development of more effective treatments for melanoma and other cancers.
From Article: A Multifunctional Rocket-Like Microneedle System with Thrusters for Self-Promoted Deep Drug Penetration and Combination Treatment in Melanoma
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