Micelle-integrated hydrogel combined with pH-response boosts eye burns therapy by inhibiting neovascularization, regulating inflammation and bacteriostasis

Corneal neovascularization (CNV) is a sight-threatening pathological process that poses the challenge of controlling inflammation, preventing infection, and thereby inhibiting angiogenesis. To address this, we developed a novel pH-responsive smart micelle-integrated hydrogel, termed LEV@DG-HPMC. This system is composed of a three-dimensional network formed by dipotassium glycyrrhizinate (DG) and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) for the delivery of levofloxacin (LEV). The hydrogel network is formed by physical cross-linking. Within this system, LEV provides potent antibacterial activity, while DG contributes inherent anti-inflammatory properties. The LEV@DG-HPMC hydrogel demonstrated excellent biocompatibility and significantly prolonged ocular surface retention. Its unique pH-responsive drug release profile closely matched the temporal pH changes in the pathological microenvironment post-alkali injury. Crucially, the hydrogel exhibited synergistic therapeutic effects, combining potent antibacterial activity with the ability to significantly downregulate key inflammatory cytokines and suppress pro-angiogenic factors, such as such as interleukin-1β, Il-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, nuclear factor-κB, vascular endothelial growth factor A, matrix metalloproteinase-9. Consequently, it effectively inhibited CNV progression, reduced corneal opacity, and promoted corneal repair. This multifunctional smart hydrogel represents a highly promising strategy for the treatment of CNV.