2. Academic Validation
  3. Intraocular-microenvironment responsive fluorescent hydrogels in rhegmatogenous retinal detachment repair

Intraocular-microenvironment responsive fluorescent hydrogels in rhegmatogenous retinal detachment repair

  • Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces. 2026 Jan 28:262:115473. doi: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2026.115473.
Yuzheng Zhou 1,  Chunli Ma 2,  Yibin Sun 1,  Yuan Wu 1,  Tongfeng Han 3,  Yongqiang Xue 4,  Guotai Li 5,  Qihui Zhou 6,  Zhaodong Du 7
Affiliations

Affiliations

  • 1 Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, Shandong Province 266003, China.
  • 2 Qingdao Key Laboratory of Materials for Tissue Repair and Rehabilitation, Shandong Engineering Research Center for Tissue Rehabilitation Materials and Devices, School of Rehabilitation Sciences and Engineering, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Qingdao 266113, China; Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250021, China.
  • 3 Qingdao Key Laboratory of Materials for Tissue Repair and Rehabilitation, Shandong Engineering Research Center for Tissue Rehabilitation Materials and Devices, School of Rehabilitation Sciences and Engineering, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Qingdao 266113, China.
  • 4 Qingdao Kangming Eye Hospital, Qingdao 266073, China.
  • 5 Qingdao Key Laboratory of Materials for Tissue Repair and Rehabilitation, Shandong Engineering Research Center for Tissue Rehabilitation Materials and Devices, School of Rehabilitation Sciences and Engineering, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Qingdao 266113, China. Electronic address: [email protected].
  • 6 Qingdao Key Laboratory of Materials for Tissue Repair and Rehabilitation, Shandong Engineering Research Center for Tissue Rehabilitation Materials and Devices, School of Rehabilitation Sciences and Engineering, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Qingdao 266113, China. Electronic address: [email protected].
  • 7 Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, Shandong Province 266003, China. Electronic address: [email protected].
PMID: 41619419 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2026.115473
Abstract

Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) is a severe eye condition that can threaten vision without proper treatment. The primary treatment for RRD is vitrectomy, however, the postoperative requirement for a prone position, coupled with unsatisfactory retinal reattachment rates, presents a significant clinical challenge. Recent advancements in technology and material engineering have led to the development of specific biomaterials serving as retinal patches that can seal retinal breaks. Whereas, existing Materials still face limitations including the need for specialized implantation instruments and complex surgical operations for certain Materials, inadequate conformability to the eyeball due to relatively high material rigidity that impairs sealing performance, and poor biocompatibility. To overcome these difficulties, herein we introduce a novel fluorescent hydrogel composed of 4-arm-PEG-Mal and 4-arm-PEG-SH as a retinal sealant. This innovative material undergoes rapid gelation in response to the weakly alkaline intraocular environment following injury, enabling effective sealing of retinal breaks and the surrounding area. Furthermore, the hydrogel's inherent fluorescent property provides enhanced intraoperative visibility. Evaluated in a rabbit model of retinal detachment, the hydrogel demonstrated efficient therapeutic treatment in promoting RRD repair, while offering significant visual and surgical advantages. In conclusion, the retinal break-sealing hydrogel developed in this work presents a promising new strategy for the treatment of RRD, with considerable potential for clinical translation.

Keywords

Hydrogel; Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment; Tissue repair; Tissue sealing.

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