Two-photon microscopy of a Flt1 peptide-hyaluronate conjugate

Abstract

Aim: Two-photon microscopy was performed to visualize ocular distribution of Flt1 peptide-hyaluronate (HA) conjugate micelles for eye drop treatment of corneal neovascularization. Materials & methods: Flt1 peptide-HA conjugate micelles were topically administered to the eye for two-photon microscopy and antiangiogenic effect assessment after silver nitrate cauterization. Results: In vivo two-photon microscopy revealed that Flt1 peptide-HA conjugate micelles were absorbed and remained on the corneal epithelia with an increased residence time, facilitating the corneal delivery of carboxyfluorescein succinimidyl ester (CFSE) as a model drug. Furthermore, repeated eye drops of Flt1 peptide-HA conjugate micelles showed comparable therapeutic effect to the subconjunctival injection on the corneal neovascularization. Discussion & conclusion: We confirmed the feasibility of Flt1 peptide-HA conjugate micelles for eye drop treatment of corneal neovascularization.