5-ALA photodynamic metabolite-powered zero-waste ferroptosis amplifier for enhanced hypertrophic scar therapy.

ABSTRACT: Hypertrophic scars are a stubborn form of dermal fibrosis that impairs quality of life. Although 5-ALA-mediated photodynamic therapy holds promise, its efficacy is undermined by poor transdermal delivery and rapid metabolism into non-photosensitive heme. Here, we introduce a "zero-waste" strategy that repurposes 5-ALA-derived heme to synergistically amplify ferroptosis. This is achieved by co-encapsulating 5-ALA and baicalin within human H-ferritin, subsequently incorporated into polyvinylpyrrolidone microneedles. The resulting system enables targeted delivery to hypertrophic scar fibroblasts with pH-responsive, programmable drug release. Upon administration, 5-ALA generates protoporphyrin IX to initiate photodynamic therapy. Baicalin is then released to induce ferroptosis and synergize wi

SUBMITTER: Chen Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12446439 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature