The complex anatomy of the eye makes ocular drug delivery highly challenging. A team of researchers has developed a novel ocular drug delivery device by integrating silicon nanoneedles (Si NNs) into a tear-soluble contact lens . How does it work? (Figures 1A-D) Surface treatment of the Si NNs with 3-triethoxysilylpropyl succinic anhydride enables an amide-type covalent bonding to antibody ocular drugs such as the anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) bevacizumab. Si NNs penetrate the cornea in a minimally invasive manner and dissolve gradually (over a month) while releasing the drug into the eye.
It enables painless and sustained drug delivery. This lens fits a vast range of corneal sizes. Which eye conditions can be treated? The study reported successful use of the Si NN in treating chronic ocular diseases such as corneal neovascularization in a rabbit model, with no…
