Influence of Different Cationic Polymer-Based Micelles on the Corneal Behavior and Anti-Cataract Effect of Diosmetin

Background Despite many studies on polymer-incorporated nanocarriers for ophthalmic drug delivery, few have thoroughly explored the relationship between coating composition and performance. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of three commonly used cationic polymers-distearoyl phosphatidylethanolamine-polyethylene glycol 1000-poly(amidoamine) (DSPE-PEG1000-PAMAM), trimethyl chitosan (TMC), and (2,3-dioleoyloxypropyl) trimethylammonium chloride (DOTAP)-on the corneal behaviors and anti-cataract efficacy of diosmetin (DIO)-loaded micelles (D-M-P, D-M-T, and D-M-D, respectively). Methods The DIO-loaded micelles were prepared using the thin-film dispersion method and incorporated with the three polymers through hydrophobic interactions and electrostatic adsorption. Structural characterization was demonstrated by TEM imaging and particle size analyzer. In vitro release behavior was detected by the dialysis method. Cell viability of D-M-P, D-M-T, and D-M-D on L929 cells was detected by CCK-8 assays, with cellular uptake performed using coumarin 6 as the fluorescence indicator. Precorneal retention behaviors of these three vesicles were observed by In Vivo Imaging System. Transcorneal permeability was determined by modified Franz diffusion method and the permeation routes of the vesicles are investigated. Selenite-induced cataract model was established. The anti-cataract effects of three different DIO-loaded micelles were evaluated by the observation of lens opacity and antioxidant enzyme activities. Eye Irritation of the DIO in different preparations was estimated using the Draize test, along with H&E staining of the corneas. Results Structural characterization of DIO-loaded micelles revealed that the vesicles were spherical, with a uniform size distribution of around 28 nm, a similar surface potential of approximately 6.0 mV, and a high DIO entrapment efficiency of about 95%. Compared to the DIO suspension, all three formulations exhibited a significant sustained-release effect. They showed no signs of irritation and demonstrated increased IC50 values in L929 cells, indicating improved biocompatibility. Cellular uptake in human lens epithelial cells (HLECs) was assessed using confocal laser scanning microscopy. C-M-T displayed the highest fluorescence signals, with a cellular internalization 3.2 times greater than that of the solution group. Both C-M-T and C-M-P enhanced vesicle retention on the corneal surface by at least 47.8% compared to the Cou-6 solution. Furthermore, TMC facilitated the paracellular transport of vesicles into the deepest layers of the cornea and delivered DIO across the cornea, with a P_app value 3.11 times and 1.49 times those of D-M-D and D-M-P, respectively. In terms of therapeutic efficacy, D-M-T demonstrated the most significant attenuation of lens opacity, along with enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities and inhibition of lipid peroxidation. Conclusion The modification of micelle vesicles with different cationic polymers significantly influences their performance in ocular drug delivery. Among the tested formulations, D-M-T stands out due to its multiple advantages, including enhanced transcorneal drug delivery, therapeutic efficacy for DIO, and safety, making it the most promising candidate for ophthalmic applications.