Figure 8.

The hTEC as a model for the development of a gold nanoparticle drug delivery system. Illustration of the use of the hTEC as a platform for the development of drug delivery systems. Left insert: layers composing the hTEC (stroma, basal membrane, epithelium, and mucins) for the assessment of drug absorption, controlled release of drugs, permeation studies, bio-distribution, cytotoxic assays, efficacy assays, and pharmacokinetic studies. Right insert: Mucosal layer in the tear film, composed of mucins that can interact with mucoadhesive molecules such as the gold nanoparticles, as shown here.