Evaluation of the Ophthalmotoxic Effect of Quantum Dots and Bioconjugates Based on Them in Terms of the Prospects for the Treatment of Resistant Endophthalmitis. Experimental Research (Stage 1)

Abstract

Endophthalmitis remains one of the most formidable complications of surgery in ophthalmology, leading to significant functional and anatomical changes. The "gold" standard of treatment for this pathology is the installation of intravenous injections of antibacterial drugs, but taking into account the number and type of pathogens, the growth of antibiotic resistance, the search for alternative methods of treatment of endophthalmitis remains relevant. Colloidal quantum dots, which are nanoscale semiconductor crystals with simulated optical and electronic properties due to changes in their volume, composition, and surface connections, are of interest for research in this direction. This article presents the process of synthesis of CT and bioconjugates based on them in order to assess ophthalmotoxicity with the prospect of further use in the treatment of endophthalmitis. The study was divided into 4 stages, starting with the determination of the required technical specification in order to select the appropriate type of quantum dots taking into account the physical and chemical characteristics (Stage 1), the synthesis of quantum dots (Stage 2), the preparation and titration of a solution of quantum dots of various concentrations for implantation in the vitreous cavity (Stage 3). The final stage was to evaluate the toxic effect of the quantum dot solution in its pure form, as well as in combination with antibiotics (ceftazidime and vancomycin) when administered intravitreally on an animal model. As a result of the study, quantum dots were synthesized and a solution based on them was obtained for introduction into the vitreous cavity. Based on the testing of the animal model (rabbits), a safe dose of the solution was determined, as well as the possibility of its use in combination with antibiotics. © 2021 Ophthalmology Publishing Group. All rights reserved.