Hyaluronic acid-based nanoparticles loaded with curcumin and ranibizumab for treating keratitis and anti-neovascularization

The facilitation of targeted drug delivery within the ocular region presents a formidable challenge owing to its intricate physiological structure, which confers a biological barrier. This barrier is characterised by short retention times, diminished drug accumulation, and suboptimal bioavailability. To overcome these limitations, this study aimed to develop a hyaluronic acid-based nanoparticulate system encapsulating curcumin (CUR) and ranibizumab (RAN), designated as CUR-RAN@NPs with a uniform distribution of particle size and exhibited the capacity for sustained release of both CUR and RAN. The evaluation of biosafety and biocompatibility using cytotoxicity assays indicated that CUR-RAN@NPs are non-toxic and biologically compatible. Consequently, the CUR-RAN@NPs have promising potential for the advancement of ocular drug delivery systems. Finally, CUR-RAN@NPs demonstrated exceptional antibacterial activity and inhibition of neovascularization, thereby underscoring their therapeutic potential in ophthalmic applications.