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

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. 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. 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. The tailored GelPol novel approach could offer a noninvasive alternative for corneal wound treatment, potentially improving patient safety and adherence compared to traditional procedures.