Special Seminar: Ying Chau

Because of the structural and dynamic barriers surrounding the eye, the current clinical practice relies on frequent and repeated intravitreal injection to deliver therapeutics to the back of the eye. Motivated by the need of safe and effective methods, two approaches have been developed in my lab. The physical approach involves the use of low-frequency ultrasound, which is found to disrupt ocular barriers temporarily. This allows non-invasive penetration of macromolecules through the transscleral route. The chemical approach involves the design and formulation of an injectable hydrogel. Modified hyaluronic acid and dextran undergo in situ gelation under physiological conditions. The depot is biocompatible with ocular tissues and is capable of releasing protein drugs over multiple months. I will share the latest development and discuss the underlying mechanism of these approaches.