Microneedle heart patch aims to improve post-attack recovery

Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed a biodegradable microneedle patch designed to improve recovery of heart muscle damaged by heart attacks. The patch delivers interleukin-4 (IL-4) directly into the injured heart tissue through tiny needles that penetrate the heart’s outer layer, enabling targeted drug delivery that reduces scarring and inflammation without the systemic side effects seen in previous methods. IL-4 shifts macrophages—immune cells central to the healing process—from promoting inflammation to supporting tissue repair, thereby helping the heart muscle recover more effectively. Early experiments demonstrated that the patch not only decreased inflammatory signals and scar tissue formation but also enhanced communication between heart muscle cells and endothelial cells lining blood vessels, which may support long-term heart function. Additionally, the patch increased activity in the NPR1 pathway, known to promote blood vessel health and reduce harmful inflammation. While the current version requires open-chest surgery, the researchers aim to refine the design for less invasive delivery, potentially via catheter. The study, published in