[Advances in the applications of dissolving polymer microneedles for delivering drugs in ocular diseases]

Due to the unique anatomical structure and physiological barriers of the eye, drug delivery for ocular diseases presents a formidable challenge. Conventional methods of ocular drug administration often suffer from limitations such as low drug bioavailability and a lack of tissue targeting, necessitating multiple administrations to achieve the desired therapeutic drug concentrations. In recent years, microneedles, known for their attributes of safety, minimally invasive application, and high efficiency, have found widespread application in ocular drug delivery research. Among the various types of microneedles, dissolving polymer microneedles have emerged as a prominent focus in the field of ocular drug delivery due to their distinct advantages over other microneedle types. This article provides a comprehensive summary and outlook on the progress in the application of dissolving polymer microneedles for drug delivery in ocular diseases.

Improving ocular bioavailability of hydrophilic drugs through dynamic covalent complexation

The clinical benefits of diquafosol tetrasodium (DQS), a hydrophilic P2Y2 receptor agonist for dry eye, have been hindered by a demanding dosing regimen. Nevertheless, it is challenging to achieve sustained release of DQS with conventional drug delivery vehicles which are mainly designed for hydrophobic small molecule drugs. To address this, we developed an affinity hydrogel for DQS by taking advantage of borate-mediated dynamic covalent complexation between DQS and hydroxypropyl guar. The resultant formulation (3% DQS Gel) was characterized by sustained release, low corneal permeation, and extended ocular retention, which were desirable attributes for ocular surface drug delivery. Both in vitro and in vivo studies had been carried out to verify the biocompatibility of 3% DQS Gel. Using corneal fluorescein staining, the Schirmer's test, PAS staining, quantitative PCR and immunohistological analyses as outcome measures, the superior therapeutic effects of 3% DQS Gel over PBS, the hydrogel vehicle and free DQS were demonstrated in a mouse dry eye model. Our DQS delivery strategy reported herein is readily applicable to other hydrophilic small molecule drugs with cis-diol moieties, thus providing a general solution to improve clinical outcomes of numerous diseases.

A topical fluorometholone nanoformulation fabricated under aqueous condition for the treatment of dry eye

Fluorometholone (FMT) is a frequently prescribed drug for the alleviation of dry eye. However, due to low aqueous solubility, it has been routinely used as an ophthalmic suspension, which is characterized by low bioavailability, inconvenience of administration, and difficulty in delivering accurate dose. Furthermore, the opaque appearance of the ophthalmic suspension is not desirable for optical purpose. In the present study, a transparent FMT nanoformulation (FMT-CD NPs) was fabricated by the cyclodextrin (CD) nanoparticle technology without organic solvents. It was demonstrated that FMT was encapsulated in an amorphous form, which was associated with increased release rate and enhanced corneal penetration efficiency. The biocompatibility of FMT-CD NPs was confirmed by the Live/Dead assay, CCK-8 assay and the wound healing assay. Most importantly, FMT-CD NPs alleviated dry eye signs more efficiently than the commercial eye drop, with one-fifth the dosage of FMT in the latter. Collectively, our study provides a promising FMT formulation for improved management of dry eye while reducing drug related side effects.

Biocompatibility and drug release behavior of chitosan/poly (vinyl alcohol) corneal shield in vivo

Backgound: Chitosan/polyvinyl alcohol corneal cap has good biocompatibility and drug slow release characteristics, which provided new treatment method for anterior segment disease. Our study was to evaluate biocompatibility of poly (vinyl alcohol)/chitosan corneal shield's intraocular and investigate its feasibility to treat ocular surface disorders.

METHODS

Thirty-six white rabbits were randomly divided into four groups. Slit lamp observation were conducted at 1, 3, 7 and 10 days after operation. Corneal and conjunctiva tissue harvested from the experimental groups was observed by HE staining 10 days after operation. The aqueous humor was aspirated from the anterior chamber at each designated time point (1, 3, 7 and 10 days). The cornea and conjunctive were collected at 10 days. The concentration of each tissue was analyzed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography and microscope observation.

RESULTS

In all groups, mild hyperemia was observed 1 day after operation, and there was no obvious inflammatory reaction occurring on the seventh and tenth day. No corneal edema and inflammatory reaction of anterior chamber occurred till the tenth day. For histopathology, there was no obviously mild chronic and inflammatory reaction occurred, and no significant difference between the corneal shield with-in groups and with-out groups. The drug concentrations in corneal and conjunctival in group (A, B) were significantly lower than eye drops in the control group (C, D), and blank corneal cover in group C was significantly sham operation in group D.

CONCLUSION

The results indicated that the proposed membrane combined with ophthalmic solution has substantial potential as ocular delivery system.