Bioadhesive for corneal repair

Abstract

The present invention provides compositions and methods for repair and reconstruction of defects and injuries to the cornea.

1 - 36 . (canceled) 
     
     
         37 . A composition for promoting general eye health comprising a methacryloyl-substituted gelatin, a visible light activated photoinitiator, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, wherein the methacryloyl-substituted gelatin has a degree of methacryloyl substitution between about 60% and about 85%, and wherein the methacryloyl-substituted gelatin is present at a concentration between about 5% and about 25% (w/v). 
     
     
         38 . The composition of  claim 37 , wherein the methacryloyl-substituted gelatin comprises methacrylamide substitution and methacrylate substitution, and the ratio of methacrylamide substitution to methacrylate substitution is between 80:20 and 99:1. 
     
     
         39 . The composition of  claim 37 , wherein the methacryloyl-substituted gelatin is present at a concentration of about 5% (w/v), about 10% (w/v), or about 20% (w/v). 
     
     
         40 . The composition of  claim 37 , wherein the visible light activated photoinitiator is selected from: Eosin Y, triethanolamine, vinyl caprolactam, dl-2,3-diketo-1,7,7-trimethylnorcamphane (CQ), 1-phenyl-1,2-propadione (PPD), 2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl-diphenylphosphine oxide (TPO), bis(2,6-dichlorobenzoyl)-(4-propylphenyl)phosphine oxide (Ir819), 4,4′-bis(dimethylamino)benzophenone, 4,4′-bis(diethylamino)benzophenone, 2-chlorothioxanthen-9-one, 4-(dimethylamino)benzophenone, phenanthrenequinone, ferrocene, diphenyl(2,4,6 trimethylbenzoyl)phosphine oxide/2-hydroxy-2-methylpropiophenone (50/50 blend), dibenzosuberenone, (benzene) tricarbonylchromium, resazurin, resorufin, benzoyltrimethylgermane, derivatives thereof, or any combination thereof. 
     
     
         41 . The composition of  claim 37 , wherein the visible light activated photoinitiator is a mixture comprising Eosin Y, triethanolamine, and vinyl caprolactam. 
     
     
         42 . The composition of  claim 37 , wherein the concentration of Eosin Y is between 0.0125 and 0.5 mM, the concentration of triethanolamine is between 0.1 and 2% w/v, and the concentration of vinyl caprolactam is between 0.05 and 1.5% w/v. 
     
     
         43 . The composition of  claim 37 , wherein the composition further comprises a therapeutic agent. 
     
     
         44 . The composition of  claim 43 , wherein the therapeutic agent is an anti-inflammatory agent. 
     
     
         45 . The composition of  claim 44 , wherein the anti-inflammatory agent is a corticosteroid. 
     
     
         46 . The composition of  claim 45 , wherein composition is for treatment, reconstruction or repair of the cornea or sclera of the eye. 
     
     
         47 . A crosslinked methacryloyl-substituted gelatin hydrogel produced from the composition of  claim 37 . 
     
     
         48 . The hydrogel of  claim 47 , wherein the hydrogel is substantially transparent. 
     
     
         49 . The hydrogel of  claim 47 , wherein the hydrogel has a Young's Modulus between 250-350 kPa. 
     
     
         50 . The hydrogel of  claim 47 , wherein the hydrogel has a degree of crosslinking between about 85% to about 95%. 
     
     
         51 . The hydrogel of  claim 47 , wherein the hydrogel has a swelling ratio of less than 20%. 
     
     
         52 . A method of producing a crosslinked methacryloyl-substituted gelatin hydrogel, the method comprising exposing the composition of  claim 37  to visible light. 
     
     
         53 . The method of  claim 52 , wherein the composition is exposed to visible light with a wavelength in the range of 450 to 550 nm. 
     
     
         54 . The method of  claim 52 , wherein the composition is exposed to visible light for a time period between 10 and 300 seconds. 
     
     
         55 . A crosslinked methacryloyl-substituted gelatin hydrogel produced by the method of  claim 52 . 
     
     
         56 . The hydrogel of  claim 55 , wherein the hydrogel is substantially transparent. 
     
     
         57 . The hydrogel of  claim 55 , wherein the hydrogel has a Young's Modulus between 250-350 kPa. 
     
     
         58 . The hydrogel of  claim 55 , wherein the hydrogel has a degree of crosslinking between 85%-95%. 
     
     
         59 . The hydrogel of  claim 55 , wherein the hydrogel has a swelling ratio of less than 20%.