Targeted Biodegradable Nanoparticles for Ocular Calcification

The patent uses a nanoparticle carrier system as an intermediary to deliver chelating agents to calcified deposits. The nanoparticle comprises a biodegradable polymer matrix containing the chelating agent, which is transported to the target site and releases the agent locally. This mediator approach allows the chelating agent to reach its target without direct intravitreal injection, thereby maintaining treatment effectiveness while reducing systemic and local toxicity to ocular tissues.

The treatment system is segmented into distinct functional components: a biodegradable nanoparticle carrier, a targeting mechanism (passive or active), and the chelating agent payload. This segmentation allows the chelating agent to be delivered in a controlled manner through the blood-retina barrier, releasing the therapeutic agent only at the site of calcification rather than exposing the entire ocular environment to high concentrations of toxic agents.

The nanoparticle formulation enables local concentration of the chelating agent at the site of calcified deposits while maintaining low concentrations in the surrounding healthy tissues. The biodegradable nanoparticle matrix provides sustained local release of the chelating agent, creating a high local concentration gradient that favors dissolution of calcifications without exposing adjacent tissues to harmful levels of the agent.

The biodegradable nanoparticle carrier performs preliminary action by protecting the chelating agent during circulation and transport to the target site. The nanoparticle matrix prevents premature release and degradation of the chelating agent, ensuring that high concentrations are delivered specifically to the calcified deposits rather than being dispersed throughout the ocular environment where they would cause harm.

The biodegradable nanoparticle acts as an intermediary vehicle that enables systemic administration while achieving targeted delivery. The nanoparticle can be administered systemically (e.g., intravenously) with ease, then passively accumulates in ocular tissues through the enhanced permeability and retention effect, and actively targets calcified deposits through surface functionalization. This intermediary approach maintains the ease of systemic administration while achieving the specificity of targeted delivery.

The nanoparticle formulation serves multiple functions: it protects the chelating agent during systemic circulation, facilitates crossing of the blood-retina barrier, enables passive accumulation in ocular tissues, and provides active targeting to calcified deposits. This multi-functionality allows a single systemic administration to achieve both ease of delivery and high specificity to the target tissue, eliminating the need for complex invasive procedures.