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Self-assembled polypeptide micelles for fungal keratitis treatment

Huayang Feng1, Xiwen Geng1, Hailing Jia1

  • 1Henan Eye Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450003, PR China. lijingguo@zzu.edu.cn.

Chemical Communications (Cambridge, England)
|May 26, 2026
PubMed

Insights

A novel polypeptide micelle effectively treats fungal keratitis. This self-assembled nanoparticle shows potent antifungal activity and safety, offering a promising alternative for eye infections.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Nanotechnology
  • Biomaterials

Background:

  • Fungal keratitis poses a significant threat to vision.
  • Current treatments have limitations, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop and evaluate a self-assembled polypeptide micelle for fungal keratitis treatment.
  • To assess the efficacy and safety of the developed micelle against Fusarium solani.

Main Methods:

  • Fabrication of a polylysine-b-polyleucine diblock polypeptide micelle.
  • In vitro assessment of antifungal activity against Fusarium solani.
  • In vitro cytotoxicity evaluation using human corneal epithelial cells.
  • In vivo therapeutic efficacy study in a fungal keratitis model.

Main Results:

  • The polypeptide micelle demonstrated potent activity against Fusarium solani.
  • The micelle exhibited low cytotoxicity toward human corneal epithelial cells.
  • In vivo studies showed therapeutic efficacy comparable to voriconazole.

Conclusions:

  • Self-assembled polypeptide micelles are a viable strategy for fungal keratitis treatment.
  • The developed polylysine-b-polyleucine micelle offers a promising, safe, and effective therapeutic option.

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