12 Mar, 2025
Cosmetic procedures using dermal fillers are becoming increasingly popular in Australia, with gel-like substances injected under the skin changing facial appearance without invasive surgery. The most popular injectable dermal filler for cosmetic purposes is based on crosslinked hyaluronan (hyaluronic acid, HA) due to its efficacy and safety compared to other fillers.
Although the risk of complications is low, dermal fillers can cause blindness by blocking the central retinal artery. If not treated within a very short time, this kind of blindness becomes irreversible.
QEI scientists are exploring different ways to treat this condition by delivering an enzyme to the blocked retinal artery, to counteract the injected filler particles and restore sight.
Enzymes are a type of biomolecule that speed up chemical reactions. Encapsulating enzymes in nanoparticles is a cutting-edge technique aimed at improving enzyme stability, bioavailability, and targeted delivery. This approach protects enzymes from degradation, enhances their activity, and enables controlled release.
The study aims at establishing a way to encapsulate the enzyme hyaluronidase into polymeric microcapsules without using organic solvents.
QEI research in this field is ongoing, supported by donations made through the Queensland Eye Institute Foundation.