Neuroprotective Nanoparticles Targeting the Retina: A Polymeric Platform for Ocular Drug Delivery Applications

Neuroprotective drug delivery to the posterior segment of the eye represents a major challenge to counteract vision loss. This work focuses on the development of a polymer-based nanocarrier, specifically designed for targeting the posterior eye. Polyacrylamide nanoparticles (ANPs) were synthesised and characterised, and their high binding efficiency was exploited to gain both ocular targeting and neuroprotective capabilities, through conjugation with peanut agglutinin (ANP:PNA) and neurotrophin nerve growth factor (ANP:PNA:NGF). The neuroprotective activity of ANP:PNA:NGF was assessed in an oxidative stress-induced retinal degeneration model using the teleost zebrafish. Upon nanoformulation, NGF improved the visual function of zebrafish larvae after the intravitreal injection of hydrogen peroxide, accompanied by a reduction in the number of apoptotic cells in the retina. Additionally, ANP:PNA:NGF counteracted the impairment of visual behaviour in zebrafish larvae exposed to cigarette smoke extract (CSE). Collectively, these data suggest that our polymeric drug delivery system represents a promising strategy for implementing targeted treatment against retinal degeneration.

Automated summary

This study developed a polymer-based nanocarrier for neuroprotective drug delivery to the posterior segment of the eye. Polyacrylamide nanoparticles (ANPs) were used to target the posterior eye and deliver neurotrophin nerve growth factor (NGF) for neuroprotection. The nanocarrier showed improved visual function and reduced apoptosis in a retinal degeneration model in zebrafish. It also counteracted visual impairment caused by exposure to cigarette smoke extract (CSE). These findings suggest that this polymeric drug delivery system holds promise for targeted treatment against retinal degeneration.