Long-Term Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment Using Silicon Nanoneedles

Sustained-release ocular drug delivery systems with minimal invasiveness are critical for managing eye diseases that cause blindness. An innovative platform is presented for painless and long-term sustained ocular drug delivery utilizing controllably biodegradable silicon nanoneedles (Si NNs) conjugated with bevacizumab (Bev) integrated into a tear-soluble subconjunctival patch. The biocompatible patch facilitates easy application in the subconjunctival area of the eye and rapid dissolution in less than one minute upon contact with the tear film in the sclera, eliminating the need for removal procedures. The Si NNs, fabricated with precise control over their degradation kinetics, enable sustained and controlled release of Bev into the ocular tissues. This platform offers enhanced patient comfort, reduced risk of complications, and prolonged therapeutic efficacy. In vivo studies using a rabbit model of retinal neovascularization (RNV), a clinically relevant proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR), demonstrate the platform's ability to reduce RNV by 85% over a year, with no observable side effects. These results highlight the potential of this drug delivery method to penetrate the sclera and releaseBev gradually, providing a promising alternative for long-term, controllable ocular therapy. This technology represents a significant advancement in painless, convenient, and effective treatment for eye diseases requiring sustained drug delivery.