A wearable gamma radiation-responsive granulocyte colony-stimulating factor microneedle system protecting against ionizing radiation-induced injury

Exposure to a nuclear accident or a radiological attack may cause serious death events due to ionizing radiation-induced injury and acute radiation syndrome (ARS). Recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) is now used for the treatment of ARS. However, the current injection formulation might not ensure treatment as early as possible after a nuclear accident, resulting in a decrease in therapeutic efficiency. In the present study, we have developed a G-CSF wearable system (GWS) consisting of a commercial microchip, a temperature sensor, a gamma-ray detection sensor, a flexible heater, and a G-CSF temperature-sensitive microneedle (GTSMN) patch. G-CSF-containing hyaluronic acid solutions were cast into the mold to obtain G-CSF microneedles (GMNs), which were coated with a temperature-sensitive layer of dodecanoic acid-cetylamine salt to obtain GTSMNs. The flexible heater was prepared by jet printing Ag nanoparticle inks. The GWS and its components are explored and optimized in the aspects of electronics, mechanics, heat transfer and drug diffusion. The γ radiation signal is sensitively monitored by the GWS. The wearable G-CSF system immediately releases G-CSF into the body in response to signal feedback and provides maximal protection against ionizing radiation-induced injury. Therefore, the GWS is a promising wearable system against emergent ionizing radiation injury. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Ionizing radiation-induced injury is always the very important public health problem all the global people care. Some medicines have been applied to protect the body from the injury. Unfortunately, sometimes the injuries accidently happen and the medicines cannot be administered in time, leading to serious acute radiation syndrome. Here, we design a wearable system loading G-CSF that has been approved by FDA to protect the body from ionizing radiation-induced injury. This system consists of a commercial microchip, a temperature sensor, a Gamma-ray detection sensor, a flexible heater, and a G-CSF temperature-sensitive microneedle patch. It can monitor γ radiation and immediately release G-CSF into the body to protect the body to the maximal extent. Therefore, the system is a promising wearable medical device against emergent ionizing radiation injury.