Development of 2-deoxy-d-ribose and zinc oxide loaded microneedle array patches of chitosan and PVA to stimulate angiogenesis and reduce infection and promote wound healing

This study reports the development of dual-functional, dissolvable microneedle array patches (MN) integrating chitosan, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS), 2-deoxy- d -ribose (2dDR), and zinc oxide (ZnO) for chronic wound healing applications. The developed MN arrays were characterized using FTIR and SEM, which confirmed the successful incorporation of all components without any undesired chemical reactions, as well as the maintenance of sharp structural integrity of the MNs. Drug release studies demonstrated rapid 2dDR delivery, along with successful penetration into goat ear pinna skin, while antibacterial assays showed concentration-dependent inhibition of S. aureus , E. coli , P. aeruginosa , and Methicillin-Resistant S. aureus by ZnO-containing MNs. Biocompatibility and regenerative potential were assessed through cell viability, fibroblast migration, and CAM assays, indicating enhanced angiogenesis and cell proliferation. In Vivo evaluation using a Sprague–Dawley rat full-thickness wound model revealed that the D1Z-MN formulation (0.1% ZnO) achieved the highest wound closure rate (95% by day 11), superior neovascularization, reduced inflammation, greater re-epithelialization (78.33%), and increased collagen deposition (82.33%) compared to other groups. These results demonstrate that combining 2dDR with an optimal concentration of ZnO in MN patches offers a multifunctional, minimally invasive strategy for infection control, angiogenesis stimulation, and tissue regeneration in wounds.