About me
Development of a smart sensing/drug delivery platform for the detection and treatment of dry eye disease (DED)
Location: 79
Mentor: Dr. Emre Dikici
Dry eye disease (DED) is a common condition when the eye cannot produce enough tears, leading to irritation, corneal damage, and chronic inflammation associated with increased matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) enzyme levels. The MMP-9 enzyme degrades extracellular matrix proteins and contributes to tissue damage through upregulation in response to inflammatory signals. Eye drops are the most prescribed medication for treatment; however, ocular application frequently causes complications, including discomfort, short efficacy time, and lack of responsiveness to inflammatory fluctuations. This project aims to create an MMP-9 enzyme-sensitive ocular hydrogel for controlled delivery of Cyclosporine A medication to the ocular surface. The hydrogel is synthesized via oxidized hyaluronic acid (OHA) crosslinked with adipic dihydrazide functionalized (ADH) gelatin, forming an MMP-9 biodegradable hydrogel. The hydrogel enzymatically degrades upon exposure to increased MMP-9 levels, allowing for controlled drug release in response to ocular inflammation. A colorimetric assay using p-dimethylaminobenzaldehyde (DMAB) let us quantify hydrazide groups on the ADH-gelatin to ensure successful crosslinking reaction. Although the study is still in progress, preliminary results show a 1:1 mixture of 24% ADH in PBS and 12% OHA in PBS quickly forms a strong and stable hydrogel with minimal residue. By allowing for a controlled and inflammatory-responsive drug release, this ocular hydrogel presents a future alternative to conventional eye drop formulations, significantly improving patient experience and outcomes. Further research is necessary to evaluate biocompatibility and in vivo efficacy for clinical translation. Regardless, these findings show the possibilities of ocular hydrogels that could significantly enhance future lives of DED patients.
