Aim: Development of fluorometholone-loaded PEG-PLGA nanoparticles (NPs) functionalized with cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) for the treatment of ocular inflammatory disorders. Materials & methods: Synthesized polymers and peptides were used for elaboration of functionalized NPs, which were characterized physicochemically. Cytotoxicity and ability to modulate the expression of proinflammatory cytokines were evaluated in vitro using human corneal epithelial cells (HCE-2). NPs uptake was assayed in both in vitro and in vivo models. Results: NPs showed physicochemical characteristics suitable for ocular administration without evidence of cytotoxicity. TAT-NPs and G2-NPs were internalized and displayed anti-inflammatory activity in both HCE-2 cells and mouse eye. Conclusion: TAT-NPs and G2-NPs could be considered a novel strategy for the treatment of ocular inflammatory diseases of the anterior and posterior segment.
Keywords: cell-penetrating peptides; drug delivery; fluorometholone; ocular anti-inflammatory; polymeric NPs.