Self-Adhesive Sustained-Release Paeoniflorin Hydrogel Microneedles Achieve Effective Treatment of Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic immune-mediated skin disease characterized by proliferation of abnormal keratinocytes and immune dysregulation. Paeoniflorin (Pae), the main active component in total glucosides of the flowering plant paeony, has strong anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects but faces limitations due to poor skin penetration and low oral bioavailability. To address this, a self-adhesive, sustained-release microneedle patch (MHAP MNs) was developed, incorporating dopamine and methacrylic anhydride and loaded with Pae. This patch enhances skin penetration, tissue adhesion, and controlled drug release. It effectively reduces immune cell infiltration, modulates inflammatory factors, and downregulates the IL-17 pathway, alleviating skin and systemic inflammation. Additionally, the microneedle backing made of polyvinylpyrrolidone allows quick separation for improved patient compliance. MHAP MNs show promise as a novel therapeutic strategy for psoriasis and potentially other autoimmune and inflammatory diseases by delivering precise, sustained treatment directly to affected sites.