Biomimetic Hydrogel Microneedle Patch for Treating Corneal Injury-Associated Bacterial Keratitis

Jiayi Chen, Xue Jiang, Aining Zhang, Wenjing Meng, Xiangyu Xin, Jingyi Zhu, Wei Li  

Advanced Functional Materials 2026

https://doi.org/10.1002/adfm.202532033

Abstract

Corneal injury-associated bacterial keratitis is a leading cause of blindness worldwide, and its treatment is often hindered by poor drug penetration and rapid clearance due to the corneal barrier and ocular fluid dynamics. Here, we propose a hydrogel microneedle (MN) patch as an effective treatment for this condition. The MN patch comprises two components: the water-soluble MN layer and a UV-curable backing layer. Upon corneal insertion, the MNs rapidly dissolve, enabling efficient delivery of drug-loaded liposomes into the cornea tissue. At the site of infection, these liposomes facilitate the responsive release of quercetin (QR) to disrupt bacterial biofilms and the targeted delivery of azithromycin (AZI), thereby enhancing antibacterial efficacy. Meanwhile, the backing layer transforms into a transparent, cornea-like hydrogel within 1 min under UV irradiation, sealing the damaged tissue and effectively promoting corneal regeneration. In a rabbit model of corneal injury-induced bacterial keratitis, a single application of the hydrogel MN patch demonstrated superior therapeutic efficacy compared to conventional daily eye drops, highlighting its potential as a promising strategy for both the treatment of bacterial keratitis and the acceleration of corneal repair.