In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation of a Multifunctional Hyaluronic acid Based Hydrogel System for Local Application on the Retina

Abstract

Abstract Conventional treatment of retinal detachment with laser and/or triamcinolon acetonide (TAAC) does not prevent loss of vision in all patients. Therefore, the development of degradable hydrogel patches covering retinal breaks was envisioned as alternative. Stable hydrogels could be formed by crosslinking hyaluronic acid with 1,2,3,4‐diepoxybutane. Triamcinolone was diffusible in the gels. The hydrogels were slowly degrading, and mass loss during hydrolytic degradation was observed starting after three weeks. The sterilized gels showed excellent intraocular biocompatibility in vivo in rabbit eyes when applied as a patch on the retina. The good retinal adherence of the patch and absence of cellular growth and proliferation in and around the gel indicated the suitability as a material for a retinal patch to prevent cell‐migration and proliferation after a retinal break and for local drug application.