Targeted long-term noninvasive treatment of choroidal neovascularization by biodegradable nanoparticles

Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) is the main cause of vision loss in patients with wet age-related mac-ular degeneration (AMD). Currently, treatment of these conditions requires repeated intravitreal injec-tions, which may lead to complications such as infection and hemorrhage. So, we have developed a non-invasive method for treating CNV with nanoparticles, namely, Angiopoietin1-anti CD105-PLGA nanopar-ticles (AAP NPs), which targets the CNV to enhance drug accumulation at the site. These nanoparticles, with PLGA as a carrier, can slowly release encapsulated Angiopoietin 1 (Ang 1) and target the choroidal neovascularization marker CD105 to enhance drug accumulation, increases vascular endothelial cadherin (VE-cadherin) expression between vascular endothelial cells, effectively reduce neovascularization leak-age and inhibit Angiopoietin 2(Ang 2) secretion by endothelial cells. In a rat model of laser-induced CNV, intravenous injection of AAP NPs exerted a good therapeutic effect in reducing CNV leakage and area. In short, these synthetic AAP NPs provide an effective alternative treatment for AMD and meet the urgent need for noninvasive treatment in neovascular ophthalmopathy.Statement of significanceThis work describes the synthesis, injection-mediated delivery, in vitro and in vivo efficacy of targeted nanoparticles with encapsulated Ang1; via these nanoparticles, the drug can be targeted to choroidal neovascularization lesions for continuous treatment. The release of Ang1 can effectively reduce neovas-cularization leakage, maintain vascular stability, and inhibit Ang2 secretion and inflammation. This study provides a new approach for the treatment of wet age-related macular degeneration.& COPY; 2023 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of Acta Materialia Inc. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license ( http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ )

Automated summary

This study developed a non-invasive treatment method for choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) using targeted nanoparticles. These nanoparticles effectively reduce neovascularization leakage and provide an alternative treatment for AMD.