UCLA

Ocular inflammations are commonly associated with eye diseases, injuries, and postoperative complications, which affect many patients worldwide. However, effective and sustained ocular delivery of therapeutics remains a challenge because of ocular structural barriers. Herein, we engineered a photocrosslinkable adhesive patch (GelPatch) incorporating micelles loaded with anti-inflammatory drugs. GelPatch hydrogels are composed of two polymers, gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) and hyaluronic acid-glycidyl methacrylate (HAGM). Anti-inflammatory corticosteroids are loaded in micelles composed of poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly[N-(2-hydroxypropyl) methacrylamide-oligolactates] (mPEG-b-p(HPMAm-Lacn)) diblock copolymers. The adequate adhesive strength of GelPatch with proper swelling and mechanical properties provides adhesion to the ocular surface and the incorporation of micelles provides a sustained release profile of drugs in 15 days. In vitro assays showed that micelle loaded GelPatch had good biocompatibility and cell adherence and growth. The subcutaneous implantation of the micelle loaded GelPatch in rats further confirmed its in vivo biocompatibility and appropriate stability within 28 days. This non-invasive, adhesive and biocompatible drug eluting patch provides site-targeted delivery with lower dosage requirements to ensure better patient compliance. Such ocular drug delivery platform can be used for treatment of different ocular anterior segment diseases and injuries such as conjunctivitis, blepharitis, and postoperative care.