Glycopeptide microneedles triggering the ECM process to promote fibroblast viability for anti-aging treatments.

Skin anti-aging remains challenging due to the cumulative detrimental effects within the intricate microenvironment. Here, we present glycopeptide hydrogel (γ-PGA/HA) microneedle patches composed of poly (γ-glutamic acid) and hyaluronic acid as a potential solution. These microneedles aim to effectively penetrate the skin barrier while remodeling extracellular matrix to regulate the skin microenvironment. To align with clinical requirements, the functional properties of microenvironment regulation materials are characterized by testing the water absorption and retention, redox balance, and inflammatory microenvironment regulation ability. The γ-PGA/HA exhibited remarkable moisturizing, biocompatibility, fibroblast viability promotion, ROS consumption, and TNF-α inhibiting effects. Histological analysis provides empirical evidence supporting the functional efficacy of the microneedle, thus validating the anti-skin-aging potential of a model that mimics natural aging processes. Therefore, γ-PGA/HA holds promise for regulating the skin microenvironment, offering potential applications in skin aging treatments.