INTRAOCULAR BIODISTRIBUTION OF INTRAVITREAL INJECTED FLUORESCENT DEXAMETHASONE-CHITOSAN NANOPARTICLES IN RABBIT EYES

Area of Science:

• Ocular drug delivery
• Nanotechnology
• Biomaterials science

Background:

• Intravitreal drug delivery faces challenges in achieving sustained and targeted release.
• Polymeric nanoparticles offer potential for improved ocular drug delivery systems.
• Dexamethasone is a potent corticosteroid used to treat various ocular inflammatory conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the intraocular biodistribution of fluorescent nanoparticles loaded with dexamethasone.
• To assess the biocompatibility and ocular tissue affinity of these nanoparticles after intravitreal administration.

Main Methods:

• Chitosan and gelatin-based nanoparticles were synthesized using a reverse emulsion-double crosslinking technique.
• Dexamethasone was conjugated to the nanoparticles.
• Fluorescently labeled nanoparticles were administered intravitreally into rabbit eyes.
• Ocular tissues were analyzed using confocal microscopy at 72 hours post-injection.

Main Results:

• Fluorescent nanoparticles were detected in all ocular tissues 72 hours after intravitreal injection.
• A higher concentration of nanoparticles was observed in the retina and lens compared to other ocular tissues.
• The synthesized nanoparticles demonstrated good intraocular biodistribution.

Conclusions:

• The reverse emulsion-double crosslinking technique successfully produced a biocompatible polymeric nanosystem.
• Intravitreal administration of these dexamethasone-bound nanoparticles resulted in significant distribution throughout ocular tissues.
• The nanoparticles exhibited a notable affinity for the retina and lens, suggesting potential for targeted ocular therapy.