Mxene‐Integrated Responsive Hydrogel Microneedles For Oral Ulcers Healing

Glucocorticoids like dexamethasone exhibit therapeutic potential for oral ulcers, yet challenges remain in achieving localized efficacy and controlled drug release. This study aimed to develop a novel MXene-integrated near-infrared (NIR)-responsive hydrogel microneedle system to enhance dexamethasone delivery, aiming to improve inflammation control, tissue regeneration, and bacterial inhibition for accelerated oral ulcer healing. A hydrogel microneedle system was engineered by integrating MXene nanosheets, enabling NIR-triggered release of dexamethasone. The MXene component facilitated localized hyperthermia under NIR irradiation to inhibit bacterial growth. The microneedles were tested in rat oral ulcer models to evaluate their ability to control inflammation, promote tissue reconstruction, and accelerate wound healing. The MXene-integrated microneedles demonstrated NIR-responsive dexamethasone release, effectively suppressing inflammation and enhancing tissue regeneration. MXene-induced hyperthermia further inhibited bacterial proliferation, preventing secondary infections. In rat models, the strategy significantly reduced local inflammation, promoted tissue repair, and accelerated ulcer healing compared to controls. This NIR-responsive MXene-hydrogel microneedle system offers a promising approach for targeted oral ulcer therapy. By combining controlled drug release with antibacterial hyperthermia, it addresses key challenges in localized treatment, paving the way for innovative strategies in oral disease management.