Tumor cells targetable graphene oxide doped microneedle for synergistic photothermal-chemotherapy treatment of melanoma.
10.1016/j.jpha.2025.101270
- Author:
Zhiqiang ZHANG
1
;
Junfang KE
1
;
Yuxin DAI
1
;
Chenxi FANG
1
;
Yunfeng DAI
1
;
Chen WANG
1
;
Meitao DUAN
1
;
Jungang REN
1
;
Ming CHEN
1
;
Chen WANG
1
Author Information
1. School of Pharmacy, Xiamen Medical College, Xiamen, Fujian, 361023, China.
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Melanoma;
Microneedle;
Photothermal therapy
- From:
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis
2025;15(10):101270-101270
- CountryChina
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Melanoma is characterized by high malignancy, ranking the third among skin malignancies, and is associated with lack of specific treatment options and poor prognosis. Therefore, the development of effective therapies for melanoma is imperative. A critical challenge in addressing subcutaneous disease lies in overcoming the skin barrier. In this study, we engineered a microneedle (MN) system that integrates chemotherapy, photothermal therapy (PTT), and targeted therapy to enhance anti-tumor efficacy while effectively penetrating the skin barrier. In vitro studies have demonstrated that the MN drug delivery system (DDS) can effectively penetrate the stratum corneum of the skin, deliver therapeutics to subcutaneous tumor sites, and establish a drug reservoir at these locations to exert anti-tumor effects. Cellular experiments indicated that the engineered PTT chemotherapy-targeted MNs can be internalized by tumor cells, exhibiting enhanced cytotoxicity against them. In vivo pharmacological investigations revealed that the combination of PTT and chemotherapy delivered via this MN DDS produced synergistic anti-tumor effects, achieving a tumor inhibition rate of up to 98.15%. This in situ DDS minimizes involvement with other organs, significantly reducing chemotherapy-related side effects. In summary, the PTT chemotherapy-targeted MNs developed in this study demonstrate promising application potential by enhancing anti-tumor efficacy while minimizing adverse effects.
