Targeting Ocular Tissue through Surface-Modified and Multifunctional Biomaterials and mRNA-Based Therapeutics

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology and Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Biomaterials and Nanotechnology

Background:

• Traditional ocular drops have limitations in targeting ocular surfaces and retention time, hindering therapeutic outcomes for eye diseases.
• Developing advanced ophthalmic formulations is critical for improving drug delivery to the eye.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the ocular microenvironment and barriers impacting ocular drug delivery system design.
• To summarize advanced ocular drug delivery systems, focusing on surface-modified materials and nanocarriers.
• To explore the integration of in-vitro transcribed messenger RNA (IVT-mRNA) therapeutics with these advanced systems.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on ocular drug delivery strategies.
• Analysis of surface modification techniques, particularly chemical grafting, for polymers.
• Examination of nanoparticles, ocular inserts, lenses, and their combination with surface-modified polymers.
• Discussion of IVT-mRNA therapeutics in the context of enhanced ocular delivery.

Main Results:

• Surface-modified polymers, especially through chemical grafting, offer improved retention time and therapeutic outcomes compared to conventional methods.
• Emerging nanocarriers and surface-modified materials show promise in overcoming ocular barriers.
• Combination with IVT-mRNA therapeutics enhances targeting precision and overall therapeutic efficacy.

Conclusions:

• Surface modification of materials is a key strategy to enhance ocular drug delivery systems.
• Advanced formulations, including nanocarriers and surface-modified polymers, are essential for overcoming ocular limitations.
• The integration of IVT-mRNA therapeutics with these advanced systems represents a significant advancement in treating eye diseases.