Biodegradable Microneedle Patch Heals the Heart After MI

Researchers at Texas A&M University have introduced a biodegradable microneedle patch designed to help the heart heal after a heart attack. Heart attacks deprive cardiac muscle cells of oxygen, causing them to die. The body responds by forming scar tissue, which stabilizes the heart but cannot contract like healthy muscle. This forces the remaining tissue to work harder, often leading to heart failure. The Texas A&M innovation aims to change this trajectory by delivering immune-modulating molecules directly to damaged tissue, creating a healing environment at the site of injury.

The patch uses a microneedle system that penetrates the outer layer of the heart. Each needle contains biodegradable particles loaded with interleukin-4, a molecule known for regulating immune responses. Once applied, the needles dissolve and release interleukin-4 directly into the injured muscle. This localized delivery avoids the systemic side effects associated with traditional injections, which affect the entire body rather than the specific site of damage.

The biological effects of the patch are significant. Interleukin-4 encourages macrophages, a type of immune cell, to shift from a pro-inflammatory state to a healing state. This reduces scar formation and promotes tissue repair. In addition, heart muscle cells became more communicative and responsive to signals from surrounding tissues, particularly endothelial cells that line blood vessels. The patch also reduced harmful inflammatory signals and boosted activity in the NPR1 pathway, which supports vascular health and overall cardiac function.

Although the current version of the patch requires open-chest surgery for placement the research team is working toward minimally invasive delivery methods. Future designs may allow insertion through a small tube, making the therapy more practical for clinical use. The researchers are also working to build artificial intelligence models that map immune responses. These models could guide future therapeutic delivery by predicting how immune cells will react to different interventions.