Drug delivery to the posterior segment of the eye has been a major challenge due to the eye's unique anatomy and physiology, and repeated dosage through injections can cause adverse procedural effects. Here we present a novel nanoparticle platform for on-demand drug delivery using an ultraviolet (UV) light-degradable polymer, which allows for noninvasive release of payload. Using fluorescent dye-containing nanoparticles we showed temporal control over payload release in vitro on different cell lines, including retinal pigment epithelium cells. We determined UV irradiation condition that avoids damaging the cornea and lens and applied it in vivo in a rat animal model to show light-triggered small molecule release from our nanoparticles. Our materials are biocompatible and electroretinograms (ERG) have shown no difference in retinal function of nanoparticle-injected eyes as compared to saline-injected controls. Our nanoparticle formulation retains payload and the ability to release it on-demand up to 12 weeks in vivo.

Shining a light on drug delivery: On demand light-triggered release of payload in the eye

247th National Meeting (2014)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.