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Sub-Retinal Delivery of Human Embryonic Stem Cell Derived Photoreceptor Progenitors in rd10 Mice
Published on: October 6, 2023
Silver nano - a trove for retinal therapies
Kalimuthu Kalishwaralal1, Selvaraj Barathmanikanth, Sureshbabu Ram Kumar Pandian
1Department of Biotechnology, Division of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Kalasalingam University, Anand Nagar, Krishnankoil-626190, Tamil Nadu, India.
Summary
Biologically synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) effectively inhibit retinal neovascularization by targeting key signaling pathways. These AgNPs offer a cost-effective alternative for treating blinding retinal diseases.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Nanotechnology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Pathological retinal neovascularization causes visual impairment and blindness.
- Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) plays a critical role in retinal angiogenesis.
- Existing VEGF-targeting drugs are available but a cost-effective alternative is needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of VEGF in retinal neovascularization.
- To explore silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) as a potential therapeutic agent for retinal angiogenesis.
- To propose a targeted drug delivery system for AgNPs in ocular therapy.
Main Methods:
- Investigated the inhibitory effects of biologically synthesized AgNPs on VEGF-induced retinal endothelial cells.
- Analyzed the impact of AgNPs on downstream signaling pathways (Src and AKT/PI3K).
- Discussed current drug delivery technologies and proposed a targeted delivery model using Poly gamma glutamic acid (PGA) and cyclic RGD peptides.
Main Results:
- AgNPs demonstrated effectual inhibitory activities against VEGF-induced retinal angiogenesis.
- AgNPs target and inhibit key downstream signaling pathways, including Src and AKT/PI3K.
- A novel drug delivery system for sustained and targeted release of AgNPs to neovascularization cells was proposed.
Conclusions:
- Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) show promise as an economic and effective therapeutic agent for retinal neovascularization.
- The proposed targeted delivery system ensures apoptosis of neovascularization cells while sparing normal retinal cells.
- AgNPs represent a futuristic boon for ocular therapies, offering a new avenue for treating blinding retinal diseases.
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