# Mathematical Modeling and Analysis of Ocular Fluid Dynamics and Transport Phenomena for Retinal Drug Delivery

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA · 2020 · $405,004

## Abstract

Project Summary
The focus of this work is on the modeling and analysis of the eye with regard to of the transport of drugs
through the vitreous humor to the retina. With retinal diseases being one of the common causes of blind-
ness amongst the elderly, it is imperative that efficient and effective drug-delivery methods targeting the
retina be developed. To minimize drug distribution to undesired locations, intravitreal delivery, especially
with the use of implants, has gained prominence. In this regard, a thorough understanding of the ocular
transport processes is necessary, and a comprehensive mathematical model for the ocular fluid dynamics
and transport phenomena with application to retinal drug delivery would be a major positive step. Among
the challenges include understanding the transport of mac-romolecular and particulate drugs together with
the effect of partial liquefaction (syneresis) of the vitreous with age. The specific aims include:
1. Mathematical Analysis and Measurement of Ocular Transport Parameters. In order utilize the
mathematical model for real-life drug delivery, the biophyisical parameters relevant to fluid flow and drug
transport need to be accurately determined for various drug types. These include, for example, the
diffusion coefficient of the vitreouus humor, the permebility of the membranes around the vitreous, and the
hindrance evaluation that large molecules and particles experience in the vitreous. We shall carry this out
with the known scientific techniques, as well as the new methods that we have recently developed.
2. Ocular Fluid Dynamics and Transport: Comprehensive Mathematical Model with Syneresis.
The measurements that will be made in Task 1 will be implemented in a mathematical model which entails
the various transport processes of the physiologically natural fluids in the system as well the intervening
drugs, coupled with permeation into the retinal region. The relevant transport equations will be solved
computationally and validated with careful experimentation (Task 3). The model will be applied to provide
drug delivery rates as a function of the location of drug deposition, drug type, the eye topography (degree
of liquefaction and location) and other transport parameters of the eye.
3. Validate the Modeling and Analysis with Experiments. Applications of the mathematical model
will be made for intravitreal delivery using sustained-release macrmolecular implants in animal models for
which the requisite biophysical properties will have been determined in Task 1. Syneretic conditions will be
created mechanically (avoiding chemicals) to different levels with a variety of possible eye topographies.
This will be followed up with the determination of required delivery levels, based on drug type and delivery
method. To overcome potential issues between our model and the experimental data, we will begin animal
model experimentation early in the second year, along with the ex vivo experiments in order to modify ...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10002238
- **Project number:** 5R01EY026599-05
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
- **Principal Investigator:** REX A MOATS
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $405,004
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2016-09-01 → 2022-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10002238

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10002238, Mathematical Modeling and Analysis of Ocular Fluid Dynamics and Transport Phenomena for Retinal Drug Delivery (5R01EY026599-05). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-02 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10002238. Licensed CC0.

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