Function of ZnS Nanoparticles on Stress-Mediated Apoptosis in Mouse Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells

Ocular drug delivery is a most complicated process because of the blood-retinal barriers. Conventional drug management decreases the clinical effectiveness to reach the macular and posterior segment of the eye. Nanoparticles are the emerging tool designed to increase drug loading and lesser toxicity compared to the traditional eye drops. The semiconducting metallic element zinc is one of the significant trace elements acting a vital role in maintaining essential biological functions. Zinc-based nanoparticles are multifunctional compounds. ZnS nanoparticles exhibit photocatalytic activity because of smaller size, turning to larger surface area of reactivity. In addition, ZNS nanoparticles are more biocompatible compared to other metallic nanoparticles and are easily synthesizable. With the aid of high specificity and multifunctionality, ZnS nanoparticles can result in less cytotoxic effect in mouse RPE cells and regulate stress-mediated apoptosis. ZnS nanoparticles could target at RPE cells for maintaining intracellular functions. This chapter is concerned with recent findings and applications of ZnS nanoparticles on ocular drug therapy and the effect of ZnS nanoparticles on oxidative stress-mediated age-related macular degeneration progression at mouse RPE cells.