Pegylated nanoceria: A versatile nanomaterial for noninvasive treatment of retinal diseases

Oxidative stress induced reactive oxygen species has been implicated as the primary molecular mechanism in the pathogenesis of debilitating retinal diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, neovascularization and age-related macular degeneration. Nanoceria (cerium oxide nanoparticles) has recently received much attention, because of its superior and regenerative radical scavenging properties. This review focuses on retinal applications of nanoceria and functionalized nanoceria. Studies in animal models showed that nanoceria possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-angiogenic, anti-apoptotic properties and preserves retinal morphology and prevents loss of retinal functions. Nanoceria have been tested in animal models of age-related macular degeneration and neovascularization and their efficacy have been shown to persist for a long time, without any collateral effects. To date, several pharmaceutical formulations of nanoceria have been developed for their prospective clinical ophthalmic applications such as chitosan coated nanoceria, nanoceria loaded into hydrogels, nanoceria embedded in wafers and contact lens and organosilane or polyethylene glycol functionalized nanoceria. Based on their nano size range, ocular permeation could be achieved to allow topical administration of nanoceria. PEGylation of nanoceria represents the key strategy to support eye drop formulation with enhanced corneal permeation, without altering chemical physical properties. Based on their excellent antioxidant properties, nano-size, safety and tolerability, PEGylated nanoceria represent a new potential therapeutic for the treatment.