Supramolecular peptide hydrogels for the treatment of ocular diseases: from tissue replacements to drug delivery systems

Abstract

Supramolecular peptide hydrogels (SPHs), a unique class of dynamic three-dimensional networks formed by self-assembly of peptides, have demonstrated strong potential for ocular tissue replacement and drug delivery in ophthalmic application. On one hand, their mechanical and physiochemical properties can be precisely tailored via rational design of peptides to emulate native ocular tissues. On the other hand, the intrinsic dynamic features of SPHs enable efficient encapsulation of commercial drugs and incorporation of stimuli-responsive or targeting moieties, which in turn facilitate ocular barrier penetration and enhance therapeutic efficacy. In this review, we systematically summarize recent advances of SPHs in ocular disease treatment, focusing on their design principles and two key application aspects: ocular tissue substitutes (for vitreous and corneal repair) and drug delivery systems targeting prevalent ocular pathologies, including dry eye disease, corneal neovascularization, bacterial keratitis, anterior uveitis, diabetic retinopathy, and age-related macular degeneration. These findings highlight the promising potential of SPHs as next-generation biomaterials for precision ophthalmic therapy.