Enhanced Transepithelial Riboflavin Delivery Across the Cornea Using Magnetic Nanocarriers

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Keratoconus is a progressive corneal disease causing vision loss.
• Corneal cross-linking (CXL) halts progression but is limited by poor riboflavin (Rb) penetration in epithelium-on approaches.
• Enhanced Rb delivery is crucial for effective transepithelial CXL.

Purpose of the Study:

• To enhance transepithelial Rb penetration for improved CXL.
• To investigate the use of Rb-modified tannic acid-coated superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (Rb-TA-SPIONs).
• To evaluate Rb-TA-SPION delivery under an external magnetic field in ex vivo bovine corneas.

Main Methods:

• Synthesized and characterized Rb-TA-SPIONs (average size 46 ± 5.3 nm).
• Evaluated Rb penetration in ex vivo bovine corneas using iontophoresis (1-5 mA).
• Assessed Rb-TA-SPION penetration under magnetic fields (1-300 Gauss).

Main Results:

• Iontophoresis increased Rb penetration from 0.036% to 0.059% with increasing current.
• Magnetic field application enhanced Rb-TA-SPION penetration from 0.035% to 0.054% with increasing field strength.
• Both methods demonstrated significantly improved Rb penetration compared to controls.

Conclusions:

• Magnetic nanoparticle-assisted Rb delivery can enhance corneal penetration.
• External magnetic fields effectively guide Rb-TA-SPIONs for improved delivery.
• This approach holds potential for enhancing the efficacy of transepithelial CXL treatments.