Cu-Doping Layered Double Hydroxides Nanozyme Integrated with Nitric Oxide Donor for Enhanced Antioxidant Therapy in Retinopathy

The prevalence of retinal neovascular diseases necessitates novel treatments beyond current therapies like laser surgery or anti-VEGF treatments, which often carry significant side effects. A novel therapeutic approach is introduced using copper-containing layered double hydroxides (Cu-LDH) nanozymes integrated with nitric oxide-releasing molecules (GSHNO), forming Cu-LDH@GSHNO aimed at combating oxidative stress within the retinal vascular system. Combination of synthetic chemistry and biological testing, Cu-LDH@GSHNO are synthesized, characterized, and assessed for curative effect in HUVECs and an oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) mouse model. The results indicate that Cu-LDH@GSHNO demonstrates SOD-CAT cascade catalytic ability, accompanied with GSH and nitric oxide-releasing capabilities, which significantly reduces oxidative cell damage and restores vascular function, presenting a dual-function strategy that enhances treatment efficacy and safety for retinal vascular diseases. The findings encourage further development and clinical exploration of nanozyme-based therapies, promising a new horizon in therapeutic approaches for managing retinal diseases driven by oxidative stress.