Preparation And Characterization Of Novel Ultra-Small Ce-Mof Nanoparticles For The Management Of Dry Eye

The purpose of this study is to explore the ability of Cerium-based Metal-organic Frameworks (Ce-MOF) nanoparticles to scavenge ROS and its application prospect in dry eye diseases (DED).

Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University.

Three kinds of Ce-MOFs with different particle sizes were prepared by hydrothermal method, which were labeled Ce-MOF 1, Ce-MOF 2 and Ce-MOF 3, respectively. The phase structure, functional groups, morphology, particle size, Zeta potential, element composition and ROS scavenging ability of Ce-MOFs were characterized. Subsequently, the CCK-8 and ocular irritation test were used to determine the cytotoxicity. In H₂O₂-induced ROS model, the ability of cleaning out intracellular ROS in human corneal epithelial cell (HCEC) was tested. Finally, the effect of CeMOF 3 on mouse DED was evaluated by slit lamp observation, corneal epithelial staining.

Three kinds of Ce-MOFs were obtained: 500 nm, 50 nm and 3 nm. The phase structure, functional group and thermal stability in Ce-MOFs show no significant difference. CeMOFs showed the concentration-dependent SOD-like and ROS scavenging activities. The cellular and ocular compatibility were confirmed. In HCECs, Ce-MOF 3 show greater antioxidant capacity which reduced ROS level. In the DED treatment, corneal epithelial defect was significantly reduced by Ce-MOF 3.

We had successfully constructed three kinds Ce-MOFs which own antioxidant enzyme and ROS scavenging activity in vitro. Further, the Ce-MOF 3 not only showed good biocompatibility, it also effectively alleviated DED. The new ultra-small Ce-MOF provides a new method for alleviating dry eye disease.