Shield microneedles loaded with biphasic-delivery liposomes modulate skin oxidation/immunity dual-axis for psoriasis therapy

5-Aminolevulinic acid-based photodynamic therapy (ALA-PDT) has emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy for psoriasis owing to its non-invasiveness and high selectivity. However, clinical translation is hindered by inadequate cutaneous permeability and the paradoxical interplay between pro-apoptotic effect and oxidative stress. Therefore, this study develops biphasic delivery liposome loaded with 5-ALA and ginsenoside Rg3, and designs hydrogel-backed shield microneedles (SMNs) inspired by shield tunneling principles to achieve efficient delivery. Flow cytometry analysis demonstrates that the biphasic delivery liposome harnesses Rg3 to activate the SOD/CAT antioxidant enzyme system, thereby scavenging excess reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by 5-ALA-PDT. Incorporation of this liposome into shield microneedles disrupts the psoriatic-thickened stratum corneum barrier and enhances its cutaneous permeation. In an imiquimod-induced mouse model of psoriasis, the microneedle system ameliorates skin lesions and restores immune homeostasis by inhibiting STAT3 phosphorylation, modulating splenic Th17 cell differentiation, and down-regulating serum IL-17A levels. Importantly, this regulatory effect on key inflammatory cytokines, including IL-6 and TNF-α, is further validated using an <i>in vitro</i> psoriasis-like cell model. The biphasic delivery liposome-shield microneedle system synergistically enhances photodynamic efficacy through oxidative homeostasis restoration, immune-inflammatory network modulation, and transdermal permeabilization, establishing a novel combinatorial approach for psoriasis management.

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Publication Details

Journal
Materials Today Bio
Published
2025-10-10
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mtbio.2025.102396
Citations
2
Primary Topic
Advancements in Transdermal Drug Delivery
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
1.58
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article

Shield microneedles loaded with biphasic-delivery liposomes modulate skin oxidation/immunity dual-axis for psoriasis therapy

Wenbin Tuo, Yan Qu, Qiaolin Yang, Wen Shi et al.
2 citations
Materials Today Bio
Advancements in Transdermal Drug Delivery
1.58
article

Shield microneedles loaded with biphasic-delivery liposomes modulate skin oxidation/immunity dual-axis for psoriasis therapy

Wenbin Tuo, Yan Qu, Qiaolin Yang, Wen Shi, Xiaoli Yi, Yang Qin, Peng Guo, Jun Zhao, Yanan He, Rui Zeng, Yuchun Liu, Siwei Xiong, Ya Tian
article en
2 citations

Abstract

5-Aminolevulinic acid-based photodynamic therapy (ALA-PDT) has emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy for psoriasis owing to its non-invasiveness and high selectivity. However, clinical translation is hindered by inadequate cutaneous permeability and the paradoxical interplay between pro-apoptotic effect and oxidative stress. Therefore, this study develops biphasic delivery liposome loaded with 5-ALA and ginsenoside Rg3, and designs hydrogel-backed shield microneedles (SMNs) inspired by shield tunneling principles to achieve efficient delivery. Flow cytometry analysis demonstrates that the biphasic delivery liposome harnesses Rg3 to activate the SOD/CAT antioxidant enzyme system, thereby scavenging excess reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by 5-ALA-PDT. Incorporation of this liposome into shield microneedles disrupts the psoriatic-thickened stratum corneum barrier and enhances its cutaneous permeation. In an imiquimod-induced mouse model of psoriasis, the microneedle system ameliorates skin lesions and restores immune homeostasis by inhibiting STAT3 phosphorylation, modulating splenic Th17 cell differentiation, and down-regulating serum IL-17A levels. Importantly, this regulatory effect on key inflammatory cytokines, including IL-6 and TNF-α, is further validated using an <i>in vitro</i> psoriasis-like cell model. The biphasic delivery liposome-shield microneedle system synergistically enhances photodynamic efficacy through oxidative homeostasis restoration, immune-inflammatory network modulation, and transdermal permeabilization, establishing a novel combinatorial approach for psoriasis management.

Materials Today BioVol. 35
Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (CN)
Openalex Percentile: Top 15%
Advancements in Transdermal Drug Delivery
1.58
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