Hemin-decorated hyaluronan microneedles for targeted anti-fibrotic delivery in crohn's disease
An inflammation-targeted microneedle drug delivery platform combining mucoadhesive hyaluronan with hemin to locally release anti-fibrotic agents in fibrostenotic Crohn's disease tissue, enabling lower drug doses while reducing inflammation and scarring.
Overview
This project proposes a localized, inflammation-targeted drug delivery system designed to treat fibrostenotic complications of Crohn's disease. The platform uses microneedles made from mucoadhesive hyaluronan (HA), a naturally occurring biocompatible polymer, decorated with hemin, a molecule known to activate protective anti-inflammatory pathways. By anchoring to inflamed intestinal tissue and releasing anti-fibrotic agents in a controlled manner, the system aims to suppress inflammation and scarring at the disease site while minimizing systemic drug exposure and required dosages.
The technology addresses a significant unmet clinical need in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), where fibrotic strictures remain difficult to treat without surgical intervention. It builds on prior validated work demonstrating hemin's ability to upregulate heme oxygenase-1 (HOX-1), a cytoprotective enzyme, and modulate pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine expression.
Technical specifications
Core platform features:
- Hyaluronan-based microneedles with an average diameter of approximately 3 micrometers, providing high aspect ratio geometry for effective tissue adherence and permeation
- Hemin decoration on the microneedle surface to enhance anti-inflammatory signaling via HOX-1 pathway activation
- Internal void architecture within microneedle cores designed for encapsulation of anti-fibrotic therapeutic agents
- Mucoadhesive hydrogel composition enabling selective binding to inflamed intestinal tissue
- Controlled release profile of hemin and co-loaded drugs under simulated intestinal enzymatic conditions
Validated mechanistic effects:
- Hemin upregulates HOX-1 expression in breast cancer cell lines (MDA-MB-231, HCC1806) and dermal fibroblasts
- Modulates intracellular reactive oxygen species generation and balances pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines
- Molecular docking confirms hemin binding to the protein moiety of HOX-1
Technology readiness level
The platform is at an early-to-mid preclinical stage. Formulation and characterization methods for hemin-loaded HA microneedles have been established, and preliminary in vitro mechanistic studies support the biological rationale. Further validation is required to optimize hemin surface concentration, characterize drug release kinetics in intestinal-mimicking environments, and evaluate efficacy in human colon epithelial models (HT29, Caco2) and macrophage polarization assays (M1/M2 derived from THP-1 cells). The proposed validation program is estimated at one year. The research team is actively seeking industry partners to supply therapeutic agents, provide clinical expertise, and fund key personnel to advance toward translational development.
About University of Galway
University of Galway is a comprehensive public research university on Ireland’s Atlantic coast, combining academic breadth with a strongly applied, partnership‑driven culture. Its integration with University Hospital Galway and the Saolta University Health Care Group gives companies access to clinicians, patients and trial infrastructure for timely translation. For industry, an Innovation Office and an Institute for Clinical Trials offer clear entry points for collaboration, IP and contracting, while proximity to Galway’s medtech hub supports rapid prototyping and validation. Research is supported by competitive national and European programmes, including Science Foundation Ireland and EU funding. A dedicated technology transfer office streamlines IP, licensing and startup formation.
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