Abstract
Purpose :
Nanoparticles are widely used as drug carriers to promote penetration, cellular uptaking and target delivery. Cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2-NPs, or nanoceria) have been used in eyedrop formulation because of its antioxidant activity. Their functions in AMD and retinitis pigmentosa and neuroprotective properties have been proved using animal models. In this work, we reported the potential application of another anti-oxidant inorganic nanoparticle, Tantalum (V) oxide, in terms of enhancing topical penetration of aflibercept and the corresponding anti-oxidative activity.
Methods :
Method:
3 types of Tantalum oxide nanoparticles were tested in terms of biocompatiblity and anti-oxidative activity at the concentrations from 0.01-0.2 mg/m using corneal epithelial cells (CECs) and ARPE-19 cells. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay and DHF-DA assay were used for the evaluations.
Results :
Tantalum oxide nanoparticles (TaOx-NPs) are biocompatible upto 100 ug/mL to CECs after 24 hours exposure. The presence of TaOx NPs significantly enhanced cellular uptake of aflibercept by CECs, which potentially promote ocular barrier penetration of aflibercept through intracellular path. The presence of TaOx NPs reduced the amount of reactive oxygen species (ROS) using ARPE-19 cells.
Conclusions :
TaOx is a promising candidate for topical formulation, they are expected to promote the topical penetration of aflibercept and synergistically enlarge therapeutic effect through their intrinsic anti-ROS function.
This abstract was presented at the 2024 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Seattle, WA, May 5-9, 2024.