Recently, the collaborative research results of the research team of Professor Li Wei from Eye Institute and the research team of Professor Liu Gang from Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine have been published in Advanced Science. The article, entltled “Multimodal Photoacoustic Imaging-Guided Regression of Corneal Neovascularization: A Non-Invasive and Safe Strategy”, describes the application outlook of a novel nanomaterial for the treatment of corneal neovascularization.

Abstract: Corneal neovascularization (CNV) is one of the main factors that induce blindness worldwide. However, current medical treatments cannot achieve non‐invasive and safe inhibition of CNV. A noninvasive photoacoustic imaging (PAI)‐guided method is purposed for the regression of CNV. PAI can monitor the oxygen saturation of cornea blood vessels through the endogenous contrast of hemoglobin and trace administrated drugs by themselves as exogenous contrast agents. An indocyanine green (ICG)‐based nanocomposite (R‐s‐ICG) is prepared for CNV treatment via eye drops and subconjunctival injections. It is demonstrated that R‐s‐ICG can enrich corneal tissues and pathological blood vessels rapidly with minor residua in normal eyeball tissues. Anti‐CNV treatment‐driven changes in the blood vessels are assessed by real‐time multimodal PAI in vivo, and then a safe laser irradiation strategy through the canthus is developed for phototherapy and gene therapy synergistic treatment. The treatment leads to the efficient inhibition of CNV with faint damages to normal tissues.

Full Link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/advs.202000346

Source: School of Medicine