Intranasal Conformal Patch for Sustained Levodopa Delivery and Reactive Oxygen Species Scavenging in Parkinson's Disease.

Ting Li, Lanxin Xiao, Zan Chen, Qiusui He, Rui Zhang, Haochen Zou, Bowen Yang, Xiao Zhao, Qun-Li Lei, Li Gao, Yun Ma, Ye Tao, Lixing Weng, Zhiyuan Liu, Ting Wang, Lianhui Wang

State Key Laboratory of Flexible Electronics (LoFE), Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Smart Biomaterials and Theranostic Technology, Jiangsu National Synergetic Innovation Center for Advanced Materials (SICAM), Institution Institute of Advanced Materials (IAM), Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Nanjing 210023, China.State Key Laboratory of Flexible Electronics (LoFE), Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Smart Biomaterials and Theranostic Technology, Jiangsu National Synergetic Innovation Center for Advanced Materials (SICAM), Institution Institute of Advanced Materials (IAM), Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Nanjing 210023, China. · pubmed

Paper

Abstract

Parkinson's disease (PD) imposes a heavy burden on the aging population. Current oral levodopa (LD) treatment faces dual challenges: poor brain bioavailability due to systemic barriers and motor complications from fluctuating drug levels. While intranasal delivery offers direct brain access, bypassing the blood-brain barrier, existing formulations still struggle to maintain stable drug concentrations needed to prevent motor fluctuations. Moreover, focusing solely on dopamine supplements overlooks the underlying oxidative stress that drives disease progression. Herein, we report an intranasal conformal patch composed of silk fibroin nanofibers that achieves stable drug delivery through moisture-responsive adhesion, sustained release, and enhanced LD stability. The patch further incorporates a dual-drug strategy combining LD supplementation with reactive oxygen species scavenging to delay neurodegeneration.

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Research summary

The paper claims that an intranasal conformal patch can provide sustained levodopa delivery while also scavenging reactive oxygen species to delay neurodegeneration in Parkinson's disease. This research is relevant as it addresses both the delivery challenges of a common treatment for a neurodegenerative disease and the oxidative stress that contributes to disease progression, which are important factors in the context of aging and longevity.

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