Human nerve growth factor delivery to the retina: Quantitative methodology and mathematical modeling in preclinical settings.

Nerve growth factor (NGF) plays a critical neuroprotective role in retinal health, supporting neuronal survival and regeneration. Recombinant human NGF (rhNGF) holds promise for treating retinal degenerative diseases such as glaucoma, retinitis pigmentosa, and optic neuropathies. However, efficient retinal delivery of rhNGF remains a major challenge due to anatomical barriers and rapid clearance from conventional routes.

Adsorption of the rhNGF Protein on Polypropylene with Different Grades of Copolymerization.

The surface properties of drug containers should reduce the adsorption of the drug and avoid packaging surface/drug interactions, especially in the case of biologically-derived products. Here, we developed a multi-technique approach that combined Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), Contact Angle (CA), Quartz Crystal Microbalance with Dissipation monitoring (QCM-D), and X-ray Photoemission Spectroscopy (XPS) to investigate the interactions of rhNGF on different pharma grade polymeric materials. Polypropylene (PP)/polyethylene (PE) copolymers and PP homopolymers, both as spin-coated films and injected molded samples, were evaluated for their degree of crystallinity and adsorption of protein.