PurposeTo measure the hydrodynamic radii of intravitreal anti-VEGF drugs ranibizumab, aflibercept and bevacizumab with μs time-resolved phosphorescence anisotropy.MethodsRuthenium-based dye Ru(bpy)2(mcbpy − O − Su − ester)(PF6)2, whose lifetime of several hundred nanoseconds is comparable to the rotational correlation time of these drugs in buffer, was used as a label. The hydrodynamic radii were calculated from the rotational correlation times of the Ru(bpy)2(mcbpy − O − Su − ester)(PF6)2-labelled drugs obtained with time-resolved phosphorescence anisotropy measurements in buffer/glycerol solutions of varying viscosity.ResultsThe measured radii of 2.76±0.04 nm for ranibizumab, 3.70±0.03 nm for aflibercept and 4.58±0.01 nm for bevacizumab agree with calculations based on molecular weight and other experimental measurements.ConclusionsTime-resolved phosphorescence anisotropy is a relatively simple and straightforward method that allows experimental measurement of the hydrodynamic radius of individual proteins, and is superior to theoretical calculations which cannot give the required accuracy for a particular protein.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s11095-016-1940-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Purpose: To study the influence of molecular shape, conformability, net surface charge and tissue interaction on transscleral diffusion.Methods: Unfixed, porcine sclera was clamped in an Ussing chamber. Fluorophore labelled, neutral, albumin, dextran, or ficoll were placed in one hemi-chamber and the rate of transscleral diffusion was measured over 24 hours using a spectrophotometer. Experiments were repeated using dextrans and ficoll with positive, or negative, net surface charges.Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) was undertaken to compare transscleral diffusion with diffusion through a solution.All molecules were 70 kDa.Results: Using FRAP, mean ± SD diffusion coefficient (D) was highest for albumin, followed by ficoll, then dextran (p = 0.0005). Positive dextrans diffused fastest, followed by negative, then neutral dextrans (p = 0.0005). Neutral ficoll diffused the fastest, followed by positive then negative ficoll (p = 0.0008). For the neutral molecules, transscleral D was highest for albumin, followed by dextran, then ficoll (p < 0.0001). D was highest for negative ficoll, followed by neutral, then positive ficoll (p < 0.0001). By contrast, D was highest for positive dextran, followed by neutral, then negative dextran (p = 0.0021).Conclusions: Diffusion in free solution does not predict transscleral diffusion and the molecular-tissue interaction is important. Molecular size, shape, and charge may all markedly influence transscleral diffusion, as may conformability to a lesser degree, but all need to be considered when selecting or designing drugs for transscleral delivery.Drugs directed against vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) have proven efficacy in some of the most common retinal diseases. The ANCHOR and MARINA studies demonstrated efficacy in wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD), 1,2 and studies such as CRUISE, BRAVO 3,4 and several from the DRCnet Group have shown favourable results in retinal vein occlusion and diabetic macular oedema. Whilst the data in these studies have led to improved clinical care, the need for regular intravitreal injections represents a burdensome regimen of treatment. A less invasive mode of delivery would have potential advantages in terms of reduced cost, discomfort, and complication rate.Systemic administration is impeded by the blood-aqueous and blood-retinal-barriers. High drug concentrations may be required to overcome these barriers to diffusion, with the attendant risk of systemic side effects. 5 A topical route would have obvious advantages. Delivery to the retina is however difficult for several reasons, such as lacrimation, low corneal permeability to large molecules, counter directional intraocular convection, and importantly the long diffusional distance. 53 Blood flow in the conjunctiva, episclera and choroid can also reduce drug concentration. 33,50 Notwithstanding these potential difficulties, transscleral delivery has a number of potential advantages. 6,7,8,9 The sclera has a large and accessible surface area, and a high d...