Customized Corneal Cross‐Linking with Microneedle‐Mediated Riboflavin Delivery for Keratoconus Treatment

In this study, a novel customized corneal cross‐linking (CXL) treatment is explored that utilizes microneedles (MNs) for targeted riboflavin (RF) administration prior to the CXL procedure. Unlike the conventional “one‐size‐fits‐all” approach, this protocol offers an option for more precise and effic...

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Veröffentlicht in:Advanced materials (Weinheim) 2024-11, Vol.36 (46), p.e2408136-n/a
Hauptverfasser: Yang, Mei, Pan, Hongxian, Chen, Tingting, Chen, Xin, Ning, Rui, Ye, Qianfang, Chen, Aodong, Li, Jiawei, Li, Siheng, Zhao, Nan, Wu, Yue, Fu, Xueyu, Meek, Keith M., Chen, Lingxin, Wang, Xiaoying, Chen, Zhongxing, Zhou, Xingtao, Huang, Jinhai
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Sprache:eng
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Zusammenfassung:In this study, a novel customized corneal cross‐linking (CXL) treatment is explored that utilizes microneedles (MNs) for targeted riboflavin (RF) administration prior to the CXL procedure. Unlike the conventional “one‐size‐fits‐all” approach, this protocol offers an option for more precise and efficacious treatment. To simulate a customized corneal crosslinking technique, four distinct microneedle (MN) molds designs, including circular, semi‐circular, annular and butterfly shaped, are crafted for loading an optimized RF‐hyaluronic acid solution and for the subsequent fabrication of MN arrays with varying morphologies. These MNs can gently puncture the corneal epithelium while preserving the integrity of the underlying stromal layer. Following the application of these microneedles, RF solution is replenished to enhance the RF content within the stroma through the punctures created by the MNs, resulting in exceptional customized corneal cross‐linking effects that are comparable to the conventional epi‐off CXL protocol. Additionally, it flattened the corneal curvature within the treated zone and facilitated rapid postoperative recovery of corneal tissue. These findings suggest that the integration of customized microneedle RF delivery with corneal crosslinking technology represents a potential novel treatment modality, holding promise for the tailored treatment of corneal pathologies, and offering a more precise and efficient alternative to traditional methods. Novel customized corneal cross‐linking (CXL) treatment, which utilizes microneedles for targeted riboflavin administration, not only achieves exceptional customized CXL effects comparable to the conventional epi‐off CXL protocol, but also improves visual function by flattening the corneal curvature within the treated zone, paving the way for customized CXL treatment of keratoconus and other corneal pathologies.
ISSN:0935-9648
1521-4095
1521-4095
DOI:10.1002/adma.202408136