A novel transdermal drug delivery system: drug-loaded ROS-responsive ferrocene fibers for effective photoprotective and wound healing activity

Abstract Herein, we developed an innovative transdermal drug delivery system utilizing electrospinning technology. The system employs reactive oxygen species (ROS)-responsive drug-loaded ferrocene-based polymer fibers (FPF), with ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate (AT) as the loaded drug. These fibers offer superior drug protection from external factors, exhibit a high loading efficiency (~ 70 wt%), and enable controlled drug release under high ROS conditions, such as wounds. The transition from the hydrophobic to hydrophilic state, triggered by ROS, ensures precise drug release. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed ROS-responsiveness, whereas DPPH and DCFDA assays demonstrated antioxidant activity. Furthermore, cell proliferation and wound healing efficacy assessments validated the advantages of AT-loaded FPFs via the CCK-8 and scratch assays. This pioneering approach promises to revolutionize transdermal therapeutics, particularly in wound healing, by providing unparalleled precision and efficiency in drug delivery. The development of drug-loaded ferrocene fibers represents a groundbreaking advancement in stimuli-responsive drug delivery systems, marking a significant milestone in the field.