A multimodal approach to smart and sustained drug delivery for corneal wound management: the GelPol nanoformulation.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to develop a thermo-photo dual-stimuli-responsive hydrogel matrix and ROS-responsive engineered nanocarriers-based composite GelPol nanoformulation for corneal wound management. GelPol is composed of modified gelatin and poloxamer 407SH holding nanoparticles (NPs) loaded with dexamethasone, rapamycin, and ciprofloxacin. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Dual-stimuli-responsive hydrogel and ROS-responsive NPs were synthesized and characterized. Sol-gel transition of GelPol was studied at various temperatures and light irradiation. In vitro release studies and kinetics from the GelPol nanoformulation were conducted at 25°C and 37°C over 3 weeks. Structural integrity and stability studies were performed under various conditions (temperature and pH) for 4 weeks and confirmed through FTIR and DSC analyses. Cell viability and biocompatibility studies using HCEC were conducted to assess safety. RESULTS: The NPs characterization revealed hydrodynamic diameters ranging from 105 to 114 nm with polydispersity between 0.108 and 0.153. Encapsulation efficiencies for DEX, RAPA, and CIP were 87.27%, 88.11%, and 76.94%, respectively. Stability studies confirmed the GelPol stability through FTIR, DSC, and HPLC analyses. Cell viability and biocompatibility studies demonstrated the safety of GelPol formulations. CONCLUSIONS: The tailored GelPol novel approach could offer a noninvasive alternative for corneal wound treatment, potentially improving patient safety and adherence compared to traditional procedures.