Suprachoroidal space-inducing hydrogel-forming microneedles (SI-HFMN): An innovative platform for drug delivery to the posterior segment of the eye

IF 18 1区医学 Q1 ENGINEERING, BIOMEDICAL

Bioactive Materials Pub Date : 2025-04-03 DOI:10.1016/j.bioactmat.2025.03.024

Jaibyung Choi , Suhyeon Shim , Jiwoo Shin , Ahhyun Lee , Jaan Strang , Tobias Braun , Reto Naef , Hyungil Jung

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Abstract

The suprachoroidal space (SCS), which exists between the sclera and choroid, offers a promising delivery route to the posterior segment of the eye (PSE) and is integrated with hollow microneedles (HMNs) for minimally invasive delivery. However, HMNs are limited by backflow owing to their narrow channel. Therefore, this study proposes a biocompatible SCS-inducing hydrogel-forming microneedle (SI-HFMN) with a specially designed candlelit shape that swells to separate the sclera from the choroid. The induced SCS provides a route for delivering loaded drugs to the PSE upon application. The optimized formulation of 20 % (w/w) poly(methyl vinyl ether-alt-maleic acid) (PMVE/MA) crosslinked with 7.5 % (w/w) polyethylene glycol (PEG) possesses sufficient mechanical strength (5.1 ± 0.7 N) to penetrate both the sclera and swell by 356 ± 28 %, to mechanically stimulate SCS formation. The formulation also recorded a drug absorption amount of 101 ± 9 μg/mg of hydrogel. Furthermore, in vitro and ex vivo experiments demonstrated the ability of the SI-HFMN to deliver drugs to the PSE via the formed SCS. Thus, this system offers an innovative method for drug delivery to PSE by inducing SCS formation.

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来源期刊

Bioactive Materials Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology-Biotechnology

CiteScore

28.00

自引率

6.30%

发文量

436

审稿时长

20 days

期刊介绍： Bioactive Materials is a peer-reviewed research publication that focuses on advancements in bioactive materials. The journal accepts research papers, reviews, and rapid communications in the field of next-generation biomaterials that interact with cells, tissues, and organs in various living organisms. The primary goal of Bioactive Materials is to promote the science and engineering of biomaterials that exhibit adaptiveness to the biological environment. These materials are specifically designed to stimulate or direct appropriate cell and tissue responses or regulate interactions with microorganisms. The journal covers a wide range of bioactive materials, including those that are engineered or designed in terms of their physical form (e.g. particulate, fiber), topology (e.g. porosity, surface roughness), or dimensions (ranging from macro to nano-scales). Contributions are sought from the following categories of bioactive materials: Bioactive metals and alloys Bioactive inorganics: ceramics, glasses, and carbon-based materials Bioactive polymers and gels Bioactive materials derived from natural sources Bioactive composites These materials find applications in human and veterinary medicine, such as implants, tissue engineering scaffolds, cell/drug/gene carriers, as well as imaging and sensing devices.