An injectable thiolated alginate/oxidized dextran hydrogel with curcumin-copper nanoparticles for corneal neovascularization after alkali burn

Corneal neovascularization (CoNV) is a major cause of visual impairment and presents significant challenges in corneal transplantation. Current treatments are limited by side effects, poor bioavailability, and the need for frequent administration. Curcumin, a natural polyphenol with potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-angiogenic properties, shows promise for CoNV therapy but suffers from low water solubility and rapid clearance. To address these limitations, we developed an injectable self-healing hydrogel incorporating curcumin-copper nanoparticles (CurNPs) within a thiolated alginate (SH-Alg) and oxidized dextran (ODex) matrix. This hydrogel provides localized and sustained drug release, enhancing curcumin bioavailability while minimizing systemic exposure. Its self-healing property ensures mechanical stability and consistent therapeutic delivery. In an alkali burn-induced rat model of CoNV, the OS/CurNPs (ODex/SH-Alg/CurNPs) hydrogel significantly reduced oxidative stress and inhibited corneal neovascularization, demonstrating superior antioxidant and anti-angiogenic efficacy. These results highlight the potential of this hydrogel system as a minimally invasive strategy for treating CoNV and other oxidative stress–related corneal disorders.