Establishing Mass Spectrometry Imaging and in silico spatial modelling as methods of assessing the distribution and penetration of topical antimicrobials across the cornea

Brief Lay Background

Microbial keratitis (MK) is an infection of the cornea (the transparent window of the eye surface). In a healthy eye, these pathogens do not affect the cornea. However, if the eye surface is damaged by trauma or contact-lens related irritation, pathogens can attach and invade into the cornea. MK currently requires antibiotic treatment.

Matrix-assisted Laser Desorption/Ionisation Mass Spectrometry Imaging (MALDI-MSI) is a new method that can be applied to overcome these issues by mapping where drugs are located within tissues. MALDI-MSI has been used to map antibiotics in the liver and lung but not yet for the eye.

What problem/knowledge gap does it help address?

There is a need to know exactly how and where antibiotics, and other drugs, spread within the eye to make treatments more effective and potentially reduce antibiotic resistance.  

Aim of the research project

This study aims to address this by using a new technique called MALDI-MSI. This method can create detailed spatial maps of where drugs are located in the eye without needing special labelling techniques.

Potential impact on people with sight loss

Improving our understanding of how antimicrobials are distributed following topical administration will improve treatment plans and mitigate drug resistance by using better informed dosing regimes. This will lead to better management of eye infections, helping people with or at risk of sight loss to receive more targeted and efficient treatments. Ultimately, the study aims to enhance vision care and potentially prevent further vision loss.