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DNA nanoparticles for ophthalmic drug delivery
Jan Willem de Vries1, Sven Schnichels2, José Hurst2
1Department of Polymer Chemistry, Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG, Groningen, The Netherlands; Centre for Ophthalmology, University Eye Hospital Tübingen, Elfriede-Aulhorn-Straße 7, D-72076, Tübingen, Germany.
Biomaterials
|December 20, 2017
Summary
DNA nanotechnology offers novel nanoparticles (NPs) for ophthalmic drug delivery. These lipid-modified DNA NPs enhance drug survival time on the eye surface, improving therapeutic efficacy.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Nanotechnology
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- Ophthalmic drug delivery faces challenges due to short drug residence time on the ocular surface.
- This leads to low bioavailability, requiring frequent administration and high drug doses.
- DNA nanotechnology presents a promising avenue for developing advanced drug delivery systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel drug delivery system for ophthalmic diseases using DNA nanotechnology.
- To create nanoparticles (NPs) that enhance drug retention time on the ocular surface.
- To demonstrate the efficacy and applicability of these DNA-based NPs for ocular therapeutics.
Main Methods:
- Self-assembly of non-toxic, lipid-modified DNA strands (12mers) into uniform micelle-like nanoparticles (NPs).
- Drug loading via hybridization with aptamers in a single self-assembly step.
- Evaluation of NP functionality through ex-vivo experiments and an in-vivo animal model.
- Assessment of NP applicability on human ocular tissue.
Main Results:
- Lipid-modified DNA strands self-assembled into uniform NPs with extended adherence to the corneal surface.
- Drug-loaded NPs demonstrated prolonged survival times on the ocular surface.
- Successful ex-vivo and in-vivo validation of the NPs' functionality and efficacy.
- Confirmation of the NPs' compatibility with human ocular tissue.
Conclusions:
- DNA nanotechnology provides a versatile platform for creating effective ophthalmic drug delivery systems.
- The developed DNA NPs significantly improve drug residence time and bioavailability for ocular applications.
- This novel approach holds potential for enhanced treatment of ophthalmic diseases.
