Chief Supervisor

Prof. Ellen TAN

Project Title

A Multifunctional Graphene Quantum Dot–Mediated Ellagic Acid Delivery Platform for Targeted Therapy of Optic Neuritis

Synopsis

Optic neuritis (ON) is an inflammatory demyelinating disorder that can cause retinal ganglion cell (RGC) loss and visual impairment. Current treatments mainly control acute inflammation but provide limited long-term neuroprotection. This project aims to develop a graphene quantum dot–ellagic acid (GQD–EA) nanodelivery system that combines the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of ellagic acid with the biocompatibility and drug-loading capacity of GQDs. The GQD–EA system will be synthesized and characterized for its physicochemical properties, stability, and drug-release behavior. Its safety and therapeutic efficacy will first be evaluated in RGC and microglial models of oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. In vivo efficacy will then be assessed in an experimental optic neuritis model following intravitreal administration, focusing on visual function, demyelination, RGC survival, and inflammation. Mechanistic studies will further examine the NF-κB, MAPK, and PI3K–AKT pathways to explore the neuroprotective mechanisms of GQD–EA.