Near-infrared light-driven nanomotors-based microneedles for the active therapy of bacterial infected acne

Acne, caused by Cutibacterium acnes, triggers inflammatory lesions. The hypoxic biofilm microenvironment exacerbates acne progression, while inadequate hydrogen peroxide and dense biofilm barriers hinder oxygen generation and nanomedicine penetration. Here, we develop microneedles patch loaded with near infrared-driven self-oxygenating Z@P-M nanomotors for photothermal therapy of acne. Zinc peroxide nanoparticles are asymmetrically modified with polydopamine, followed by in-situ manganese dioxide growth on polydopamine to form Z@P-M nanomotors. Z@P-M nanomotors loaded microneedles penetrate the stratum corneum to deliver antibacterial nanoparticles into the dermis. In female murine acne, Zinc peroxide slowly releases hydrogen peroxide in acidic biofilm, catalyzed by manganese dioxide to generate oxygen, thus alleviating hypoxia and skin inflammation. After near infrared laser irradiation, the thermal gradient generated by the asymmetrically modified polydopamine coating endows the nanomotors with enhanced diffusion to promote biofilm penetration, further improving photothermal therapy efficacy and showing a potential for active acne treatment.