Peptides and hydrogels for treating corneal diseases

Abstract

Provided herein are photosensitive bulking agent (PBA) comprising a photoreactive collagen-like peptide (PCLP) and polyethylene glycol (PEG). Also provided herein are compositions, scaffolds, precursor hydrogels and hydrogels comprising the PBA and methods of preparation thereof. Photoreactive collagen-like peptides comprising photoreactive residues are also provided herein. Compositions comprising photoreactive collagen-like peptides that are not crosslinked, partially crosslinked and fully crosslinked are provided as well as uses thereof for treating, preventing, or augmenting corneal thinning or any other corneal defects in a subject in need thereof. A method of treating a condition of the eye characterized by a corneal defect is also described herein. The method comprises making a limbal incision in an area affected by the corneal defect in a subject, administering a precursor hydrogel over the corneal defect, and irradiating the precursor hydrogel with visible light.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.