Silicon Nanoneedles for Long-Term, Sustained Antibody Treatment of Ocular Angiogenesis

Ocular angiogenesis, the process of neovascularization in the eye, can occur in various parts of the eye and lead to severe visual impairment. While anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) antibody agents remain the primary treatment for this condition, their clinical efficacy is compromised by the requirement for repeated intravitreal injections - an invasive procedure associated with cumulative risks of ocular complications and patient non-compliance. This manuscript reviews the emerging utilization of silicon nanoneedles (Si NNs) as a novel drug delivery platform to address these critical challenges. We discuss the unique characteristics of Si NNs that render them suitable for ocular anti-VEGF therapy and summarize the current applications of this approach in ocular anti-VEGF treatment across diverse ocular disease models. The controlled, long-term, and sustained drug release, in conjunction with the minimal invasiveness, renders Si NNs a promising technique for ocular anti-VEGF treatment.