[2PS-074]
Upconversion Nanoparticles Loaded Photonic Contact Lens for Transepithelial Corneal Cross-Linking Using Hyaluronate - Riboflavin Conjugate
발표자최인후 (포항공과대학교)
연구책임자한세광 (포항공과대학교)
Abstract
Corneal cross-linking (CXL) has caused huge impact on keratoconus treatment, but the standard Dresden protocol requires painful epithelial removal and prolonged UV exposure. Here, we develop upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs)-loaded contact lenses (UCLs) with 88.7% visible light transparency for minimally invasive transepithelial CXL using hyaluronate-riboflavin (HA-RF) conjugates. The core-shell structured UCNPs of NaYF₄:Yb,Tm@NaYF₄:Nd (~32 nm) were synthesized and embedded into medical-grade polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) contact lenses. HA-RF conjugates enabled 4-fold enhanced transepithelial RF delivery compared to the conventional RF standard solution. The biomechanical strength of treated eyes was comparable to that with conventional epithelial-removal treatment with remarkable biocompatibility and no adverse effects. This innovative UCL treatment with HA-RF conjugates and NIR light would pave a big avenue for keratoconus treatment with greatly improved patient compliance.