Native Bio-Lenticules Mediated Rapamycin Delivery for Corneal Immunomodulation and Tissue Repair Promotion

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Ophthalmology
• Immunology

Background:

• Corneal damage causes significant visual impairment, with limited donor grafts and complex immune responses posing treatment challenges.
• Current therapies for corneal opacity struggle with graft availability and post-transplant immune complications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a novel immunomodulatory biomaterial for corneal repair using decellularized human stromal lenticules loaded with rapamycin (RAPA).
• To assess the transparency, drug release kinetics, biomechanical properties, biocompatibility, and immunomodulatory effects of RAPA-loaded lenticules for corneal implantation.

Main Methods:

• Decellularized human stromal lenticules were loaded with rapamycin (RAPA) using deep eutectic solvents.
• In vitro transparency, drug release, biomechanical strength, and biocompatibility were assessed.
• Interstromal transplantation into rabbit corneas was performed to evaluate graft clarity, immune rejection, and nerve regeneration.

Main Results:

• RAPA-loaded lenticules maintained high transparency and demonstrated controlled RAPA release for over 35 days.
• Drug incorporation enhanced lenticule biomechanical strength and biocompatibility.
• Transplanted grafts preserved corneal clarity for over a month without immune rejection, showing host nerve regeneration.

Conclusions:

• RAPA-loaded lenticules represent a promising transparent, biomechanically sound, and immunosuppressive graft for treating corneal injuries.
• This novel biomaterial has significant potential for clinical translation in managing corneal damage and immune-mediated disorders.