Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology · 3 authors, 2 centres
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This review summarizes the development and potential of polymer nanomicelle-based ocular drug delivery systems from 2014 to 2023. It concludes that while these systems can enhance solubility and delivery, their clinical application is limited by challenges related to biocompatibility, scalability, and regulatory hurdles.
This narrative review consolidates research on polymer nanomicelles for ocular drug delivery, highlighting innovations like poloxamer, chitosan, and hydrogel-encapsulated micelles designed to improve sustained drug retention and permeation. The authors synthesize findings from preclinical studies (cell and animal models) indicating that these systems can enhance the solubility of insoluble drugs and potentially aid in early disease diagnosis. The central implication is that significant challenges remain for clinical translation. These include the need for high biocompatibility and stability due to the eye's anatomy, potential irritation from amphiphilic polymers, and difficulties in achieving good manufacturing practices and regulatory approval. The review stresses that robust clinical trials and safety profiling are required before these technologies can be widely implemented.
