Jin Zhengyun, Kim Young-Seong, Lim Joong Yeon
Department of Mechanical, Robotics and Energy Engineering, Dongguk University, Jung-gu, Seoul 04620, Republic of Korea.
Polymers (Basel). 2025 Jan 2;17(1):108. doi: 10.3390/polym17010108.
Disruption of the molecular pathways during physiological wound healing can lead to raised scar formation, characterized by rigid, thick scar tissue with associated symptoms of pain and pruritus. A key mechanical factor in raised scar development is excessive tension at the wound site. Recently, microneedles (MNs) have emerged as promising tools for scar management as they engage with scar tissue and provide them with mechanical off-loading from both internal and external sources. This review explores the mechanisms by which physical intervention of drug-free MNs alleviates mechanical tension on fibroblasts within scar tissue, thereby promoting tissue remodeling and reducing scar severity. Additionally, the role of MNs as an efficient cargo delivery system for the controlled and sustained release of a wide range of therapeutic agents into scar tissue is highlighted. By penetrating scar tissue, MNs facilitate controlled and sustained localized drug administration to modulate inflammation and fibroblastic cell growth. Finally, the remaining challenges and the future perspective of the field have been highlighted.
生理伤口愈合过程中分子通路的破坏会导致增生性瘢痕形成，其特征是瘢痕组织坚硬、增厚，并伴有疼痛和瘙痒等症状。伤口部位的过度张力是增生性瘢痕发展的一个关键机械因素。近年来，微针已成为有前景的瘢痕治疗工具，因为它们能够作用于瘢痕组织，并从内部和外部来源为其提供机械减负。本综述探讨了无药物微针的物理干预减轻瘢痕组织中纤维母细胞机械张力的机制，从而促进组织重塑并降低瘢痕严重程度。此外，还强调了微针作为一种高效的药物递送系统，能够将多种治疗剂可控且持续地释放到瘢痕组织中的作用。通过穿透瘢痕组织，微针有助于实现可控且持续的局部给药，以调节炎症和成纤维细胞生长。最后，强调了该领域尚存的挑战和未来展望。
