Near-infrared activated drug-eluting intraocular lens enable synergistic photothermal and chemotherapeutic therapy for posterior capsule opacification.

Posterior capsule opacification (PCO) is the most common complication following cataract surgery and can potentially result in secondary loss of vision. Synergistic therapy holds great promise for achieving superior therapeutic outcomes. This study reports an anti-adhesive intraocular lens (IOL) material internally doped with nanoparticles that possess synergistic therapeutic functions. Polydopamine nanoparticles (PDA NPs) were synthesized via a one-pot method, and doxorubicin (Dox) was subsequently encapsulated onto the surface of PDA NPs through the temperature-induced gelation of tetradecanol (TD), yielding drug-loaded TD@Dox@PDA nanoparticles (TDP NPs). During the bulk material synthesis, TDP NPs were incorporated into an IOL matrix composed primarily of ethylene glycol phenyl ether methacrylate (EGPEMA) and 2-(2-ethoxyethoxy) ethyl acrylate (EA), resulting in the fabrication of TDP NPs-PEE IOLs. The successful loading of Dox onto PDA NPs was confirmed by TEM, SEM, UV-Vis spectroscopy, and changes in particle size and zeta potential. An optimal nanoparticle loading ratio (0.01 wt%) was determined through characterization of the material's physical properties. It was verified that the TDP NPs-PEE exhibits photo-responsive drug release capability and photothermal effect, with its physical properties remaining stable after light irradiation. In vitro experiments demonstrated the safety of TDP NPs at low concentrations and the good cellular compatibility of 0.01 wt% TDP NPs-PEE, which effectively inhibited cell proliferation under light irradiation. The PCO prevention effect and bio-compatibility evaluation of the TDP NPs-PEE IOL in vivo were evaluated by implantation into animal eyes. This innovative material holds promise for meeting clinical needs in the prevention of PCO.