Formulation and microporation approaches for enhancing drug delivery to the anterior segment of the eye

Furthermore, covalent conjugation of timolol to D-peptide sequences significantly reduced initial burst release, offering controlled delivery for sustained intraocular pressure reduction.<br><br>For posterior segment access, LSM was employed to generate micropores in porcine sclera. High-resolution imaging techniques including optical coherence tomography, micro-computed tomography, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy elucidated micropore morphology and depth.

Integration of drug-loaded ES patches with LSM-treated sclera facilitated sustained drug permeation and retention over seven days, demonstrating a promising minimally invasive transscleral delivery route. These findings underscore the potential of peptide-based biomaterials and laser-assisted permeation enhancement for developing sustained-release ocular therapies. Further in vivo investigations are warranted to evaluate pharmacokinetics, therapeutic efficacy, and long-term safety to support clinical translation.<br><br><i>Thesis is embargoed until 31 July 2030.</i><br>