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Biodegradable 3D-Printed Conjunctival Inserts for the Treatment of Dry Eyes
Piyush Garg1, Parvin Shokrollahi1,2, Chau-Minh Phan1,2
1Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE), School of Optometry & Vision Science, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada.
Polymers
|March 13, 2025
Summary
3D-printed gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) conjunctival inserts were fabricated to release polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). These biodegradable inserts show potential for dry eye disease treatment, with PVA release dependent on ocular enzyme concentration.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Ophthalmology
- Drug Delivery Systems
Background:
- Dry eye disease (DED) is a prevalent condition affecting millions worldwide, necessitating innovative therapeutic strategies.
- Current treatments for DED often involve artificial tears or prescription medications with varying efficacy and adherence challenges.
- Biodegradable drug delivery systems offer a promising approach to enhance therapeutic outcomes and patient compliance in ophthalmology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and characterize 3D-printed, biodegradable conjunctival inserts using gelatin methacrylate (GelMA).
- To investigate the controlled release of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), a therapeutic agent for dry eye disease, from these inserts.
- To evaluate the enzymatic degradation of the inserts in response to ocular surface enzymes, specifically matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP9).
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of GelMA-based conjunctival inserts using stereolithography-based 3D printing.
- Formulation of inserts containing 10% GelMA and 5% PVA (P-Gel-5%).
- Assessment of PVA release kinetics and biodegradation rates in the presence of varying concentrations of MMP9.
- Morphological analysis of inserts using scanning electron microscopy before and after enzymatic degradation.
Main Results:
- 3D-printed P-Gel-5% inserts formed a mechanically robust semi-interpenetrating network.
- PVA release was observed in a dose-dependent manner with respect to MMP9 concentration over 24 hours.
- Korsmeyer-Peppas model best described the PVA release profiles, indicating diffusion and enzymatic degradation mechanisms.
- Over 80% of the P-Gel-5% inserts degraded within 8-24 hours, depending on MMP9 concentration.
Conclusions:
- 3D-printed GelMA conjunctival inserts are a viable platform for drug delivery in ophthalmology.
- These inserts demonstrate controlled release of PVA, a potential treatment for dry eye disease.
- The degradation and drug release are tunable by ocular enzyme concentration, offering a responsive drug delivery system.
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