Graphene oxide increases the phototransduction efficiency of copolymeric nanoimplants and rescues visual functions in rat and pig models of Retinitis pigmentosa

F. Galluzzi, S. Francia, S. Cupini, T. Gianiorio, G. Mantero, M. L. DiFrancesco, T. Ravasenga, Jasnoor, M. Attanasio, J. F. Maya-Vetencourt, G. Pertile, D. Ventrella, A. Elmi, M. L. Bacci, S. Marco, F. Benfenati and E. Colombo ()
Additional contact information
F. Galluzzi: Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia
S. Francia: IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino
S. Cupini: Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia
T. Gianiorio: Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia
G. Mantero: Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia
M. L. DiFrancesco: IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino
T. Ravasenga: Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia
Jasnoor: Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia
M. Attanasio: Negrar
J. F. Maya-Vetencourt: Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia
G. Pertile: Negrar
D. Ventrella: University of Bologna
A. Elmi: University of Bologna
M. L. Bacci: University of Bologna
S. Marco: Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia
F. Benfenati: Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia
E. Colombo: Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia

Nature Communications, 2025, vol. 16, issue 1, 1-18

Abstract: Abstract Photoreceptor degeneration in Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a leading cause of inherited blindness, for which few effective treatments are available. Graphene’s exceptional electrical, optical, and mechanical properties, along with its biocompatibility, make it a promising material for retinal stimulation. Building on prior success with conjugated polymers in rodent RP models, we developed injectable retinal nanoimplants that blend a donor-acceptor polymeric architecture with graphene oxide flakes. Here we show that graphene significantly improved the photovoltaic efficiency and enhanced light-evoked responses in blind retinal explants. In RP-affected Royal College of Surgeons rats, a single subretinal injection of these nanoimplants restored light-driven behaviors and visual brain activity at lower luminances than polymer-only particles without any proinflammatory effects. Moreover, this technology restored retinal activity in a pig model of chemically induced degeneration, demonstrating the valuable translational potential of the injectable nanoplatform in the treatment of retinal degenerative diseases.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-63716-4

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