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A Rapid Corneal Healing Microneedle for Efficient Ocular Drug Delivery
Hui Shi1, Jianhong Zhou1, Yuan Wang1
1Institute of Biomedical Engineering, School of Ophthalmology & Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 270 Xueyuan Road, Wenzhou, 325027, China.
Abstract:
Fungal keratitis (FK) remains a serious clinical problem worldwide, so the ultimate goal of the treatment is to develop a minimally invasive, safe, and effective method for ocular drug delivery. Here, a minimally invasive delivery system is reported for treating FK by using a dissolving microneedle (MN)-array patch based on Poly(D,L-lactide) (PLA) and hyaluronic acid (HA). By altering the concentration of PLA, MN patches with excellent properties are modified and optimized. The 30% PLA-HA MN patches penetrate the corneal epithelial layer reversibly with no apparent ocular irritation as well as a short recovery time of less than 12 h, and increase the residence time by 2.5 h in the conjunctival sac, thereby offering higher drug bioavailability. Remarkably, the rabbit model of FK shows that the topical MN(+) patch medication exerts superior therapeutic effects compared with the conventional eye drop formulation, and also presents comparable therapeutic efficacy with that of the clinical mainstay strategy (i.e., intrastromal injection). Therefore, the MN patch, acting as an ocular drug delivery system with high efficacy and ability of rapid corneal healing, promises a cost-effective household solution for the treatment of FK, which may also lead to a new approach for treating FK in clinics.
Insights
A novel dissolving microneedle (MN) patch offers a minimally invasive treatment for fungal keratitis (FK). This Poly(D,L-lactide) and hyaluronic acid MN patch shows superior efficacy and faster healing compared to eye drops.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Biomaterials Science
- Drug Delivery Systems
Background:
- Fungal keratitis (FK) poses a significant global health challenge, necessitating advanced ocular drug delivery methods.
- Current treatments often lack optimal efficacy or involve invasive procedures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a minimally invasive, dissolving microneedle (MN)-array patch for treating FK.
- To optimize MN patch properties for enhanced corneal drug delivery and therapeutic outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of dissolving MN patches using Poly(D,L-lactide) (PLA) and hyaluronic acid (HA).
- Optimization of PLA concentration to achieve desired MN properties and corneal penetration.
- Evaluation of MN patch performance in a rabbit FK model, comparing it to eye drops and intrastromal injection.
Main Results:
- Optimized 30% PLA-HA MN patches demonstrated reversible corneal penetration with minimal irritation and rapid healing (<12 h).
- MN patches increased drug residence time in the conjunctival sac by 2.5 hours, enhancing bioavailability.
- Topical MN patch application showed superior therapeutic effects over conventional eye drops and comparable efficacy to intrastromal injections in a rabbit FK model.
Conclusions:
- The PLA-HA dissolving MN patch serves as a highly effective ocular drug delivery system for FK treatment.
- This minimally invasive approach offers rapid corneal healing and improved drug bioavailability, presenting a promising alternative to current FK therapies.
- The MN patch technology holds potential as a cost-effective household and clinical solution for fungal keratitis.
