Investigation of the potential of polymer therapeutics in corneal re-epithelialisation.

In this study, the first use of a bioresponsive polymer therapeutic agent in the promotion of corneal re-epithelialisation after injury in an ex vivo whole-eye organ culture model was described. A polymer-protein conjugate consisting of dextrin and recombinant human epidermal growth factor was synthesised and applied as a single dose to a 2 mm ex vivo corneal ulcer, in culture. Enhanced wound healing was observed in response to dextrin-recombinant human epidermal growth factor, when exposed to α-amylase, compared with controls. This highlights the potential for polymer therapeutics to provide a platform for bioresponsive drug/protein delivery in the field of ophthalmology.