| abstract |
A nanoglue is formed with one or more bioadhesive polymers, one or more dendrimers, and optionally one or more therapeutic, prophylactic, or diagnostic agents. The bioadhesive polymers and dendrimers are modified with functional groups to permit crosslinking upon one or more stimuli, e.g., ultraviolet irradiation, and form hydrogel in situ at tissue sites. In the repair of corneal wounds, the nanoglue leads to improved rate of healing with less scarring and less inflammation, compared to non-treated cornea or ones treated with sutures. Therapeutic agents can be covalently conjugated to the precursor components and be delivered to specific eye compartments, providing a more efficacious treatment formulation of ocular disorders than delivering drugs in their free forms. Methods of making and using the hydrogel and hydrogel precursor compositions are also provided. |