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Aptamer-Based Delivery Systems for VEGF and NGF Modulation in Ocular Therapies
Nadine Best1, Gizem Karabiyik2, Gerd Geerling3
1Department of Biomaterials, University of Bayreuth, Prof.-Rüdiger-Bormann-Str. 1, Bayreuth, Germany.
Advanced Healthcare Materials
|April 22, 2026
Summary
Aptamers offer a novel therapeutic approach for eye diseases by precisely controlling growth factors like VEGF and NGF. These molecules overcome limitations of current treatments, enabling targeted and sustainable ocular therapies.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Biotechnology
- Drug Delivery
Background:
- Vision-threatening diseases often stem from imbalances in vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and nerve growth factor (NGF).
- Current growth factor therapies (inhibitors or delivery) face challenges like invasiveness, inefficiency, and high costs, necessitating improved strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically review existing experimental and clinical approaches for growth factor modulation in ocular diseases.
- To highlight aptamers as a promising therapeutic tool for overcoming current treatment limitations.
Main Methods:
- Review of current experimental and clinical strategies for VEGF and NGF modulation in ophthalmology.
- Analysis of aptamer properties (specificity, stability, synthesis) for therapeutic applications.
- Exploration of aptamer integration with biomaterials (hydrogels, implants, contact lenses) for controlled ocular delivery.
Main Results:
- Aptamers demonstrate high target specificity, tunable affinity, stability, and low immunogenicity.
- Aptamers can be incorporated into biomaterial carriers for controlled release or sequestration of growth factors.
- Aptamer-functionalized platforms offer potential for precise modulation of ocular growth factor levels.
Conclusions:
- Aptamers represent an underexplored therapeutic class for managing ocular diseases driven by growth factor imbalances.
- Aptamer-based platforms can address limitations of current treatments, paving the way for targeted, sustainable, and patient-centered ophthalmological therapies.
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