Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 10, 2025
14:10
Contrast Ultrasound Targeted Treatment of Gliomas in Mice via Drug-Bearing Nanoparticle Delivery and Microvascular Ablation
Published on: December 15, 2010
15.9K
Collagenase-modified polydopamine nanoparticles for safe and effective vitreolysis
An-Katrien Minnaert1, Van-Phuc Nguyen2, Aranit Harizaj1
1Ghent Research Group on Nanomedicines, Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
Summary
Nanoparticles carrying collagenase enzymes offer a safer approach to enzymatic vitreolysis for vitreoretinal disorders. This novel method reduces retinal toxicity while effectively inducing posterior vitreous detachment.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Ophthalmology
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Anomalous posterior vitreous detachment (aPVD) is implicated in various vitreoretinal disorders.
- Current management via vitrectomy is invasive and challenging with firm vitreoretinal adhesions.
- Pharmacological vitreolysis using enzymes shows promise but is limited by retinal toxicity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a nanotechnology-based approach for enzymatic vitreolysis.
- To immobilize collagenase on nanoparticles to mitigate retinal toxicity.
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of nanoparticle-bound collagenase for inducing PVD.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of stable, functional collagenase-modified polydopamine nanoparticles.
- Ex vivo assessment of vitreous liquefaction and PVD induction.
- In vitro and in vivo evaluation of retinal toxicity using bovine vitreoretinal explants and animal models.
Main Results:
- Successful immobilization of collagenase on nanoparticles.
- Demonstrated vitreous liquefaction and complete PVD ex vivo.
- Significant reduction in retinal toxicity compared to free collagenase in explants.
- Preservation of retinal morphology and function in vivo.
Conclusions:
- Nanotechnology-based enzymatic vitreolysis using immobilized collagenase is a promising strategy.
- This approach significantly reduces retinal toxicity associated with enzymatic vitreolysis.
- Further research and optimization could lead to safer treatments for vitreoretinal disorders.
