A synergistic therapeutic nano-eyedrop for dry eye disease based on ascorbic acid-coupled exosomes

Dry eye disease (DED), a complex ocular surface disease with a high prevalence rate, is associated with corneal injury, excess oxidative stress and inflammation. Current therapeutic strategies, including artificial tears and anti-inflammatory agents, are unable to address all the deleterious factors or to achieve a clinical cure due to their temporary or side effects. Here, we prepared a multiple-functional eyedrop based on the deposition of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) reduced by ascorbic acid (AA) onto the exosomal phospholipid membrane of mesenchymal stem cell (mExo)-derived exosomes in situ (mExo@AA). The therapeutic value of mExo@AA for DED was demonstrated in a mouse DED model. Combining the benefits of mExo and AA, mExo@AA effectively improves corneal epithelium recovery and anti-inflammation capacity, decreases corneal reactive oxygen species, and restores tear secretion without adverse effects. Thus, this study suggests that mExo@AA is effective and safe as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of DED.