Fabrication and characterization of a multifunctional hyaluronic acid-based microneedle system for diabetic wound healing

Diabetes mellitus (DM)-associated wounds, characterized by chronic bacterial infections and elevated glucose levels, present significant challenges to effective healing. To overcome these issues, a novel transdermal drug delivery system was developed, integrating microneedles (MNs) with biofilm-penetrating capability, the wound-healing properties of hyaluronic acid (HA), the antibacterial effects of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), and the glucose-lowering action of insulin (Ins). Named HAMNs@AgNPs-Ins, this system demonstrated optimal morphological characteristics, robust mechanical strength, and 100 % skin penetration efficiency. It exhibited sustained antibacterial activity in vitro , ensured skin safety, and provided controlled, steady blood glucose reductions, achieving a 72.29 % reduction at 8 h, compared to the sharp decline seen with subcutaneous injection. Additionally, wound healing experiments showed a significant improvement in the healing rate of 89.66 ± 1.34 % in the HAMNs@AgNPs-Ins group, compared to 48.19 ± 9.03 % in the control group. These results underscore the potential of HAMNs@AgNPs-Ins as an effective treatment for DM-associated wounds.