Digital light processing-printed personalized gelatin Methacryloyl/silk fibroin Methacryloyl hydrogel microneedles loaded with platelet-rich proteins for accelerated wound healing

Abstract

The hydrogel microneedles (HMNs) with good biocompatibility enables the efficient and painless delivery of bioactive substances to deeper tissue, promoting effective wound healing. However, due to the inherent variability in size, shape, and depth of wounds during practical application, for HMNs, customization is essential for optimal alignment with individual wounds to expedite the healing process. Here, we developed a personalized gelatin methacrylate/methacrylated silk fibroin (GelMA/SFMA) HMNs loaded with platelet-rich proteins (GSPMNs) to accelerate wound healing. By integrating 3D scanning with digital light processing (DLP) static-based printing technology, we fabricated customized HMNs patches tailored to the size, shape, and depth of the wound. The GSPMNs exhibited appropriate mechanical properties, puncture resistance, and sustained-release capability of growth factors. The cell experiments demonstrated favorable biocompatibility of GSPMNs along with its ability to promote cellular growth, proliferation, and migration. Furthermore, in vivo studies revealed that the GSPMNs patches significantly accelerated wound healing by facilitating reepithelialization and collagen deposition. These findings would provide potential novel options for bedside printing of complex personalized wound patches.