Advancements in Nanoparticle-based Treatment Approaches for Ocular Inflammation

Abstract

Nanoparticles are small particles, typically 1-100 nm in size, designed as adaptable drug carriers to improve bioavailability, facilitate targeted delivery, and enable controlled release across biological barriers. Ocular inflammation, encompassing vision-threatening conditions such as uveitis, scleritis, and other inflammatory eye diseases, poses significant therapeutic challenges due to both static and dynamic barriers (including the corneal epithelium, tear film, and the blood-retinal barrier). The article comprehensively examines recent developments in nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems designed for ocular therapy, such as polymeric nanoparticles and dendrimers, inorganic nanoparticles, lipid-based systems, and novel platforms like microneedle patches and drugeluting implants. As demonstrated by in vitro models (such as porcine cornea penetration), in vivo animal studies (like rat uveitis models), patents, and developing clinical trials for non-infectious uveitis. These nanotechnologies overcome present limitations through superior targeting to anterior and posterior segments, prolonged residence time, controlled release, reduced toxicity, and also add some of the benefits like antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects that depend on the nanoparticle type. It helps to overcome the poor bioavailability, NSAID-related side effects, and frequent dosing problems of conventional corticosteroids. However, regulatory barriers, scalability, and safety remain very important challenges for clinical translation. This review highlights how nanoparticle- based systems improve ocular bioavailability, reduce dosing frequency in inflammatory eye diseases, and prolong drug residence time, while also identifying key translational challenges related to regulation, scalability, and safety. Several formulations achieved multi-fold increases for days to weeks.