Zinc Silicate-Loaded Microneedle Patch Reduces Reactive Oxygen Species Production and Enhances Collagen Synthesis for Ultraviolet B-Induced Skin Repair

UVR-related skin damage is common in daily life. Excessive sunlight exposure, particularly in response to ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation, can have adverse effects on the skin and can even induce photosensitive skin diseases and skin malignancies. UVB exposure leads to the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the skin, resulting in cell damage and inflammation. Furthermore, it directly inhibits the synthesis of collagen in skin fibroblasts, contributing to collagen degradation and subsequently causing skin aging, wrinkles, and erythema. To address this issue, our study introduces a biomaterial-based treatment plan for repairing UVB-induced photodamaged skin. We designed a sodium hyaluronate microneedle patch containing a hardystonite bioceramic (ZnCS/MN) with anti-ROS/inflammation/collagen degradation functions to deliver bioactive Zn²⁺ and SiO₃ ^2- ions in situ to photodamaged skin areas. In addition, the cytological mechanism of ZnCS action was explored to explore the possibilities of its application in more areas. This study reveals the therapeutic potential of ZnCS for a variety of negative effects caused by photodamage. Owing to its advantages in preparation, storage, and transportation, ZnCS/MN has shown promise for clinical application in treating photodamaging.