Atorvastatin-loaded peptide amphiphiles against corneal neovascularization - supplementary material

<b>Background: </b>Corneal neovascularization is a sight-threatening disease. It can be treated using antiangiogenic and anti-inflammatory compounds. Therefore, atorvastatin (ATV) constitutes a suitable candidate to be administered topically. To attain suitable efficacy, ATV can be encapsulated into custom developed nanocarriers such as peptide amphiphiles. <b>Methods: </b>Three peptide amphiphiles bearing one, two or four C16-alkyl groups (mC16-Tat47-57, dC16-Tat47-57 and qC16-Tat47-57) were synthesized, characterized and loaded with ATV. Drug release and ocular tolerance were assessed as well as anti-inflammatory and antiangiogenic properties. <b>Results: </b>ATV-qC16-Tat47-57 showed higher encapsulation efficiency than mC16- Tat47-57 and dC16-Tat47-57 and more defined nanostructures. ATV-qC16-Tat47-57 showed ATV prolonged release with suitable ocular tolerance. Moreover, ATV-qC16-Tat47-57 was antiangiogenic and prevented ocular inflammation. <b>Conclusion: </b>ATV-qC16-Tat47-57 constitutes a promising topical medication against corneal neovascularization.