Transdermal hydrogen therapy for psoriasis using cavity-embedded double-conical microneedles.

Abstract

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition driven by a self-reinforcing cycle of oxidative stress and immune dysregulation. Conventional topical agents face barriers from limited skin permeability and systemic side-effect risks. In this study, a double-conical microneedle device with embedded cavities was engineered to carry MgH₂ powders and achieve sustained intracutaneous release of molecular hydrogen. In a murine psoriasis model, the system outperformed calcipotriol cream—a standard-of-care topical agent—by substantially reducing oxidative tissue damage, pro-inflammatory cytokine levels, immune cell infiltration, keratinocyte hyperproliferation, and systemic manifestations. Mechanistic analyses clarified how the oxidative stress–inflammation axis perpetuates psoriatic pathology. The findings establish a microneedle-based transdermal platform as a viable strategy for delivering molecular hydrogen to inflammatory skin conditions.

Mechanism

MgH₂ embedded in microneedles releases molecular hydrogen within skin tissue, selectively scavenging reactive oxygen species and interrupting the mutually reinforcing oxidative stress–inflammation cycle, thereby suppressing keratinocyte hyperproliferation and immune cell infiltration.