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.