Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 28, 2026
06:30
Ocular Therapeutic Delivery and Advanced Tissue Retrieval in Adult Rats
Published on: May 23, 2025
Nanocarrier-Based Ocular Drug Delivery Systems for Retinal Diseases: Therapeutic Potential
Dominika Skarbek1, Alicja Sochocka1, Oliwia Sidło1
1Student Scientific Club at the Department of General and Paediatric Ophthalmology, Medical University of Lublin, Chmielna 1, 20-079 Lublin, Poland.
Life (Basel, Switzerland)
|May 27, 2026
Summary
Nanotechnology offers a promising solution for delivering drugs to the posterior segment of the eye, overcoming barriers for conditions like macular degeneration. Further research is needed to ensure safety for clinical use.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Nanomedicine
- Drug Delivery
Background:
- Posterior segment eye diseases are leading causes of global vision loss.
- Retinal drug delivery is challenging due to anatomical and physiological barriers.
- Nanotechnology presents a potential solution for these delivery limitations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the use of nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems for posterior segment eye diseases.
- To analyze the efficacy and limitations of nanocarriers in treating vitreoretinal disorders.
Main Methods:
- A narrative literature review was performed.
- Databases searched include PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar (2019-2026).
- Studies focused on nanoparticles for pre-clinical in vitro and in vivo treatment of vitreoretinal disorders.
Main Results:
- Nanocarriers (liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, lipid-based systems) enhance drug bioavailability, stability, and targeting.
- These systems allow sustained drug release, potentially reducing intravitreal injections.
- Nanocarrier effectiveness depends on particle size, charge, and encapsulation; cost and safety (cytotoxicity, inflammation) are limitations.
Conclusions:
- Nanotechnology-based systems are a promising therapeutic strategy for posterior eye diseases.
- Further standardized preclinical and clinical research is essential.
- Ensuring long-term safety is critical for successful clinical translation.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Ophthalmic Drug Delivery Systems
Ophthalmic drug delivery faces major limitations due to poor absorption across the corneal membrane. This process is primarily driven by diffusion and is influenced by two main factors: the physicochemical properties of the drug and tear drainage. Most ophthalmic drugs, such as pilocarpine, epinephrine, atropine, and local anesthetics, are weak bases. They are typically formulated at an acidic pH to enhance chemical stability. However, this leads to high ionization, reducing their ability to...
01:24Site-Targeted Drug Delivery Systems: Polymeric Carriers
Polymeric carriers enhance targeted drug delivery by increasing efficacy while minimizing off-target effects. These carriers comprise a biodegradable polymeric backbone integrated with functional elements that enable targeting, improve physicochemical properties, and regulate drug release.Targeting MechanismsThe targeting ability of polymeric carriers is mediated by a homing device, which is a molecular recognition component designed to selectively bind to specific tissues or cells. Monoclonal...
01:22Drug Delivery: Miscellaneous Routes
Drug delivery methods like oral inhalation, nasal sprays, transdermal patches, eye drops, intravitreal injection, and rectal administration provide localized effects with reduced toxicity.
Oral inhalation and nasal sprays swiftly transfer drugs across the respiratory epithelium's mucosal layer. Inhaled glucocorticoids and bronchodilators directly target lung conditions such as asthma, while fluticasone nasal spray mitigates allergic rhinitis.
Transdermal patches transport drugs through the...
Oral inhalation and nasal sprays swiftly transfer drugs across the respiratory epithelium's mucosal layer. Inhaled glucocorticoids and bronchodilators directly target lung conditions such as asthma, while fluticasone nasal spray mitigates allergic rhinitis.
Transdermal patches transport drugs through the...
01:24Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Site-Targeted
Site-targeted drug delivery systems enhance therapeutic efficacy while minimizing systemic toxicity and treatment costs. Unlike conventional methods, these systems ensure precise drug delivery, improving bioavailability and reducing side effects. Targeted drug delivery is classified into three levels. First-order targeting directs drugs to the capillary beds of specific organs or tissues. Second-order targets specific cell types, such as tumor cells, using receptor-mediated interactions.
01:19Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Overview
Modified-release dosage forms are designed to address the limitations of drugs with short biological half-lives. These forms maintain stable therapeutic drug concentrations over extended periods, reducing the need for frequent dosing. A consistent drug level helps minimize peak-trough fluctuations, which can reduce adverse effects, lower the risk of drug resistance, and improve overall treatment effectiveness.One common type of modified-release form is the extended-release (ER) formulation. ER...
01:16Drug Delivery: Overview
The selection of a drug's delivery route depends upon its physicochemical properties, including lipid or water solubility and ionization, as well as the therapeutic requirement, such as immediate or sustained effect. These routes can be divided into three primary categories: enteral, parenteral, and topical.
Enteral delivery involves administering drugs directly through swallowing, sublingual placement, or buccal application. Orally administered drugs predominantly navigate the gastrointestinal...
Enteral delivery involves administering drugs directly through swallowing, sublingual placement, or buccal application. Orally administered drugs predominantly navigate the gastrointestinal...