Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a lipophilic antioxidant agent that plays a crucial role in the mitochondrial electron transport chain. The neuroprotective role of CoQ10, countering mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress, suggests its potential as an adjuvant for ocular neurodegenerative diseases linked to retinal cell loss. However, despite its promising properties, ocular barriers pose challenges for effective delivery. Therefore, the present work aimed to identify new ocular delivery strategies to improve the therapeutic potential of CoQ10 by increasing its ocular bioavailability at the posterior segment and supporting its controlled release. Polymeric micelles of D-α-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate (TPGS) were selected as carriers for the loading of CoQ10, increasing its solubility and promoting its penetration through ocular tissues. After their characterization by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), loaded micelles were applied to porcine sclera and choroid to confirm their ex vivo retention and permeation capacity. To ensure a controlled release, they were then loaded into a crosslinked polymer film, which was characterized in terms of mechanical properties, swelling degree and release profiles of TPGS and CoQ10. The biocompatibility of this platform was tested by the HET-CAM assay, and ex vivo studies confirmed its ocular potential.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s13346-024-01739-y | DOI Listing |
Eur J Ophthalmol
January 2025
Cornea and Refractive Surgery Unit, Instituto de Microcirugía Ocular (IMO), Barcelona, 08035, Spain.
Purpose: After 15 years of accumulated experience in the Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty (DMEK) technique, this surgical method has demonstrated a high reproducibility and success rate. However, certain ocular conditions such as aphakia and previously vitrectomized eyes remain challenging. We describe a novel technique designed to improve surgical time and postoperative outcomes in these specific scenarios.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFNat Commun
January 2025
Suzhou Key Laboratory of Nanotechnology and Biomedicine, Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials & Collaborative Innovation Center of Suzhou Nano Science and Technology (NANO-CIC), Soochow University, Suzhou, China.
Current treatments for fundus disorders, such as intravitreal injections, pose risks, including infection and retinal detachment, and are limited in their ability to deliver macromolecular drugs across the blood‒retinal barrier. Although non-invasive methods are safer, their delivery efficiency remains suboptimal (<5%). We have developed a wearable electrodriven switch (WES) that improves the non-invasive delivery of macromolecules to the fundus.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFInt J Pharm
December 2024
Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology and Physical Chemistry, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (IN(2)UB), University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain. Electronic address:
Ocular inflammation is a complex pathology with limited treatment options. While traditional therapies have side effects, novel approaches, such as natural compounds like Apigenin (APG) and Melatonin (MEL) offer promising solutions. APG and MEL, in combination with nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC), may provide a synergistic effect in treating ocular inflammation, potentially improving patient outcomes and reducing adverse effects.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFInt J Pharm
December 2024
Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Pharmaceutical Preparations, College of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, PR China. Electronic address:
Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci
January 2025
Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
Purpose: This study aimed to identify a novel recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) capsid variant that can widely transfect the deep retina through intravitreal injection and to assess their effectiveness and safety in gene delivery.
Methods: By adopting the sequences of various cell-penetrating peptides and inserting them into the capsid modification region of AAV2, we generated several novel variants. The green fluorescent protein (GFP)-carrying variants were screened following intravitreal injection.
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