Fabrication of nanozyme thixotropic anionic hydrogel for treating fungal keratitis by Dectin-1/p38 pathway.

ABSTRACT: Fungal keratitis (FK) is a major cause of corneal blindness, particularly in China, where treatment is often limited by systemic side effects and antifungal drug resistance. We propose a nanozyme (carbon nanotube (CNT))-based anionic hydrogel coating (NHC) loaded with itraconazole (IZ) (NTH@CNT/IZ) as a treatment for FK to overcome these challenges. This formulation was designed to enhance ocular drug delivery, improve antifungal efficacy, and reduce inflammation. In vitro assays against Aspergillus fumigatus demonstrated potent antifungal activity, including significant reductions in colony-forming units and biofilm formation at 50 µg/mL. Cell viability tests using ARPE-19 cells revealed high biocompatibility, with no observed morphological alterations or apoptosis, despite increased ROS

SUBMITTER: Zhang C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12202696 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature