A synergistic therapeutic nano-eyedrop for dry eye disease based on ascorbic acid-coupled exosomes

Nanoscale. 2023 Jan 27;15(4):1890-1899. doi: 10.1039/d2nr05178h.

Abstract

Dry eye disease (DED), a complex ocular surface disease with a high prevalence rate, is associated with corneal injury, excess oxidative stress and inflammation. Current therapeutic strategies, including artificial tears and anti-inflammatory agents, are unable to address all the deleterious factors or to achieve a clinical cure due to their temporary or side effects. Here, we prepared a multiple-functional eyedrop based on the deposition of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) reduced by ascorbic acid (AA) onto the exosomal phospholipid membrane of mesenchymal stem cell (mExo)-derived exosomes in situ (mExo@AA). The therapeutic value of mExo@AA for DED was demonstrated in a mouse DED model. Combining the benefits of mExo and AA, mExo@AA effectively improves corneal epithelium recovery and anti-inflammation capacity, decreases corneal reactive oxygen species, and restores tear secretion without adverse effects. Thus, this study suggests that mExo@AA is effective and safe as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of DED.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Ascorbic Acid / pharmacology
  • Dry Eye Syndromes* / drug therapy
  • Exosomes* / metabolism
  • Gold / pharmacology
  • Metal Nanoparticles* / therapeutic use
  • Mice
  • Ophthalmic Solutions

Substances

  • Gold
  • Ophthalmic Solutions
  • Ascorbic Acid
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents