Table 2 The application of nanomaterials in combination with corticosteroids in the treatment of ocular diseases
From: Next-generation nanomaterials: advancing ocular anti-inflammatory drug therapy
Glucocorticoids | Nanomaterials | Size (nm) | Production method | Cells (in vitro) | Animals (in vivo) | Administration route | Characteristics and effects | Refs. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
DEX | PCL-PEG-PCL nanomicelles | 40.04 ± 2.42 | Film hydration method | L929, STF and isolated corneas of bovines | LSP-induced anterior uveitis in rabbits | Eye drops | DEX-loaded PCL-PEG-PCL nanomicelles exhibited robust biocompatibility and cellular tolerance, alleviation of the clinical symptoms of uveitis with a delayed onset, comparable to commercially available suspension formulations | [190] |
DEX | CH-MEs |  < 200 | Water titration method | STF and cellulose membrane system | Endotoxin-induced uveitis in rabbits | Eye drops | DEX-loaded CH-Ms exhibited excellent mucoadhesive properties and stability, sustained drug release, improved anti-inflammatory activity, comparable to commercially available suspension formulations | [195] |
DEX | MBA and TG-NIPAAM-VP-MAA polymeric nanomicelles | 300–450 | Free radical polymerization method | – | LSP-induced anterior uveitis in rabbits | Eye drops | DEX-loaded MBA and TG-NIPAAM-VP-MAA polymeric nanomicelles exhibited remarkable mitigation of uveitis symptoms and reduced inflammatory response within 48 h; DEX-loaded MBA-NIPAAM-VP-MAA polymeric micelles, characterized by their small particle size, exhibited strong adhesion, favorable curative effect, and potent and prolonged anti-inflammatory activity | [196] |
DEX | P40S and P80 nanomicelles | 14.5 ± 0.4 | Rotary evaporation method | STF and cellulose membrane system | Rabbits | Eye drops | DEX-loaded P40S and P80 nanomicelles exhibited strong stability, non-irritating, achieved effective drug concentration in retinal and choroidal tissues | [197] |
DEX | HA CS-NPs | 400.57 ± 15.23 | Ionotropic gelation method | STF | – | – | DEX-loaded HA CS-NPs exhibited a robust drug loading capacity and efficient drug release, along with excellent physical stability and enhanced adsorption to mucous membrane | [28] |
DEX | γ-CD and β-CD microparticles | 20.4 ± 10.3 | – | – | Rabbits | Eye drops | DEX-loaded γ-CD and β-CD microparticles exhibited attainment of high concentrations in the vitreous and retina; DEX-loaded γ-CD microparticles exhibited excellent cellular tolerance and chemically stability | [198] |
DEX | TA and egg LE nanomicelles | 4.4 and 4.7 | – | Human scleral cells | – | Iontophoresis | DEX-loaded TA and egg LE nanomicelles exhibited increased water solubility, sustained drug release, and enchaned delivery across the scleral barrier | [199] |
DEX | SA-FFFE NPs | 30 | Classic solid-phase peptide synthesis method | RAW264.7, HCECs, and cellulose membrane system | Endotoxin-induced uveitis in rabbits | Eye drops | DEX-loaded SA-FFFE NPs exhibited sustained drug release, no observed cytotoxicity or eye irritation, and substantial inhibition of the secretion of NO, TNF-a, and IL-6 | [200] |
DEX | Pullulan NPs | 326 ± 29 | – | Mouse retinal organ culture and bovine vitreo-retinal organ culture | Rats, rabbits, and mice | Intravitreal injections | DEX-loaded pullulan NPs exhibited remarkable safety profiles, prolonged retention within the vitreous humor, and reduced frequency of intravitreal drug injections | [201] |
TA | PLGA NPs | 195 | Modified emulsification and solvent diffusion method | – | LSP-induced uveitis in rabbits | Subconjunctival injection | TA-loaded PLGA NPs exhibited superior efficacy in reducing the inflammatory factors such as flare, cell, and fibrin, infiltrating cells, proteins, NO, and PGE2, compared to the microparticles of TA and PA | [191] |
TA | Capmul® MCM C10, soya LE, and Captex © 200 P NLCs |  < 200 | Hot microemulsion method | LPS-induced HCFs and isolated corneas of goats and pigs | – | Eye drops | TA-loaded NLCs exhibited robust corneal permeability, gradual drug release, remarkable safety, and reduced TNF-α levels | [192] |
DFAB | Nanoemulsions | – | – | – | – | Eye drops | DFAB-loaded nanoemulsions exhibited alleviation of the clinical manifestations of scleritis, penetration of the scleral barrier to reach the uvea, reduced corneal edema, elimination of ACs, inhibition of inflammation, and maintaince of the stability of intraocular pressure | |
FA | PAMAM dendrimers | 3–10 | Covalently conjugating fluocinolone acetonide to the dendrimer method | – | Homozygous recessive rdy albino RCS rats (prone to retinal degeneration) | Intravitreal injections | FA-loaded PAMAM dendrimers exhibited targeted inhibition of retinal microglia activation, increased viability of the photoreceptor outer nuclear cells, sustained drug release, and inhibition of retinal inflammation | [202] |
Hydrocortisone | Albumin NPs and P80 nanomicelles | 100 and 300 | – | Isolated corneas of pigs | Proxymetacain HCL-induced inflammation in the precorneal area in rabbits | Eye drops | Hydrocortisone-loaded albumin NPs and P80 nanomicelles exhibited robust corneal permeability and prolonged retention within the inflamed conjunctival capsule | [203] |
DFBA | Caster oil and P80 lipid emulsion | 104.4 | High pressure emulsification method | – | Rabbits | Eye drops | DFAB-loaded lipid emulsion exhibited physical stability, high permeability within intraocular environment, and elevated drug concentrations in the aqueous humor | [204] |
Netilmicin sulphate, DEX alcohol and phosphate | PHEA-PEG, PHEA-PEG-C16, and PHEA-C16 nanomicelles | 10–30 | – | BCEC and BcoEC | Rabbits | Eye drops | Drug-loaded PHEA-C16 and PHEA-PEG-C16 nanomicelles exhibited remarkable corneal permeability; Drug-loaded PHEA-PEG-C16 nanomicelles exhibited superior corneal permeability and enhanced drug bioavailability | [205] |
LE | HPMC/MC/ALG-HP-β-CD or HP-CD polymer gels | – | Kneading, freeze drying, and co-precipitation method | Cellulose membrane system | Histamine solution-induced allergic conjunctivitis in rabbits | Eye drops | LE-loaded HPMC-HP-β-CD polymer gels exhibited excellent stability, ocular bioavailability, and potent anti-inflammatory efficacy | [206] |