A Trans-Epithelial Nanozyme Of Ultra-Small Polydopamine For Multi-Targeted Therapy Of Corneal Neovascularization
Published 2026 - 44th Congress of the ESCRS
Reference: FP26.14 | Type: Free paper | DOI: 10.82333/3z6v-tr21
Authors: Dr Yue Wu* 1 , Dr Xue Liu 1 , Dr Mei Yang 1 , Dr Xingtao Zhou 1 , Dr Jinhai Huang 1
1Eye & ENT hospital,Fudan University,Shanghai,China
Purpose
To develop a non-invasive trans-epithelial nanotherapy using ultra-small polydopamine nanoparticles (UPDA NPs) that can simultaneously alleviate oxidative stress, inflammation, and angiogenesis in corneal neovascularization(CoNV).
Setting
Experimental translational study conducted in a university-affiliated ophthalmic research center.
Methods
UPDA NPs (~3 nm) were synthesized via alkaline polymerization followed by ultrasonic exfoliation. Their physicochemical properties were characterized by TEM, XPS, XRD, and FTIR. Antioxidant performance was assessed through ABTS, DPPH, and ESR assays. In vitro anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-angiogenic activities were examined in HCECs, RAW 264.7 macrophages, and HUVECs using ROS detection, qPCR, ELISA, and tube-formation assays. Transcriptomic profiling elucidated signaling regulation. An alkali-burn-induced CoNV mouse model was used to
evaluate therapeutic efficacy, corneal penetration, and long-term biosafety.
Results
UPDA NPs exhibited strong SOD/CAT-mimicking activity, efficiently scavenging OH· and O2−· radicals, and activated the NRF2 antioxidant pathway. They reduced ROS accumulation, suppressed IL-6, TNF-α, and NO release, and downregulated PI3K-Akt, MAPK, and integrin-ECM angiogenic signaling. Topical UPDA NPs penetrated the corneal epithelium, markedly decreased CoNV area and vessel length, accelerated epithelial healing, and showed no local or systemic toxicity.
Conclusions