Recent progress in the use of thermogelling polymers for treatment of ophthalmic conditions

Jasmin Omar, Cecile Dreiss, Xian Jun Loh*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

39 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Ocular diseases have serious implications on patients' lives, with the majority causing blindness if left untreated. In 2020 it was estimated that 43 million people were blind worldwide which is expected to increase to 61 million by 2050. Due to the eye's complex structure and defence mechanisms, there has been an ongoing challenge to deliver drugs which can penetrate the eyes' barrier and reside at the site of action. Recent advances focus on the use of hydrogels, in particular temperature-responsive hydrogels, 'thermogels', to improve the properties of current therapies. Formulating a hydrogel-based system has shown to increase the bioavailability and biodegradability, provide a sustained release profile, enhance the drug permeation and residence time, as well as reduce the frequency of applications. This article provides a review of progress made over the past 5 years (2017-2021) using 'thermogels' for the treatment of some common or life-threatening ophthalmic conditions.
Original languageEnglish
Article number022004
JournalInstitute of Physics
Volume4
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 3 May 2022

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Recent progress in the use of thermogelling polymers for treatment of ophthalmic conditions'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this