Nanoparticles for treatment of choroidal neovascularization and other indications

Abstract

The present invention generally relates to particles such as nanoparticles and, in particular, to targeted nanoparticles. In some cases, the particles may have a targeting moiety that is inhibited from recognizing a target, for example, by being positioned within the particle at an internal location. The application of a stimulus, such as light, may allow the targeting moiety to interact externally of the particle. Accordingly, the particles may be targeted to specific locations using the application of a suitable stimulus. For instance, in one embodiment, particles containing cell-penetrating peptides attached via a first attachment and a second attachment containing a photocleavable entity may be administered to a subject, and light may be applied, e.g., to the eye, to cleave the photocleavable entity. However, despite the cleavage, the peptides remain associated with the particle via the first attachment, and thus, the particles may be able to penetrate cells within the eye due to peptides. Other aspects are generally directed to methods of making or using such particles, kits involving such particles, or the like.