Fluorescence Performances of Co(II) Metal Framework and Loaded with Aminoguanidine Hydrogel in Treatment and Clinical Nursing Against Senile Cataracts

Cataract, a common eye disease among middle-aged and elderly individuals, can lead to retinopathy and subsequent retinal tissue hypoxia, increasing the risk of blindness due to large capillary occlusions. In this study, we synthesized a novel Co(II)-bearing coordination polymer (CP), [Co(L)₂(MeOH)]_n, by reacting Co(NO₃)₂·6H₂O with the HL ligand in a DMF and MeOH mixed solvent. HL, a dual-functional organic ligand, features both pyridine and carboxylic groups. Molecular docking simulations revealed that the carbonyl and carboxyl functional groups on the Co(II) complex contribute to its biological activity. Fluorescence spectroscopy tests confirmed the fluorescence properties of the CP samples and their selective sensing for Fe³⁺ ions. Uncoordinated O- or N-donor sites in CP enhanced bioactivity via hydrogen-bond interactions. Encapsulation of CP in biocompatible hydrogels like hyaluronic acid (HA) and chitosan (CMCS) improved stability and enabled controlled release, making it a promising option for targeted drug delivery. Aminoguanidine was used as a drug model, and a HA/CMCS-CP 1@Aminoguanidine delivery system was developed. The system significantly upregulated the expression of anti-apoptotic protein BCL-2 and downregulated the expression of pro-apoptotic protein BAX, suggesting its potential for regulating apoptosis in lens epithelial cells and as a treatment for age-related cataracts.