Platelet membrane-camouflaged PLGA loaded natamycin improve the prognosis of fungal keratitis

Fungal keratitis (FK) is a severe infectious corneal disease and a common cause of blindness. At present, natamycin (NATA) is the most commonly prescribed drug for Fungal keratitis. However, these disadvantages, including poor water solubility, poor stability, and significant corneal irritation, limit its effect in clinical application. In this study, we innovatively prepare platelet membranes (PLTm) which are a unique population of cellular fragments that adhere to a variety of pathogens camouflaged with fabulous biocompatibility poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) loaded NATA. PLTm can help NATA adhere to the Fungal surface, increase the ocular surface retention, and achieve a double sustained-release effect, significantly increasing the Antifungal effect of NATA. And platelet membrane-camouflaged PLGA loaded NATA (PLTm@PLGA-NATA) has better Antifungal ability. Compared with pure NATA, PLTm@PLGA-NATA significantly improved the therapeutic effect on FK in vivo experiments. Moreover, in vitro, platelet membrane-camouflaged PLGA (PLTm@PLGA) can exert anti-inflammatory effects by reducing inflammatory cytokines caused by Fungal stimulation. Therefore, this study provides a therapeutic strategy with a novel Antifungal drug delivery system (DDS). Platelet membrane biomimetic nanoparticles play a promising role in treating FK.

Anti-inflammatory; Antifungal; Fungal keratitis; Natamycin; Platelet membrane; Poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid).