A stimulus-responsive, in situ-forming, nanoparticle-laden hydrogel for ocular drug delivery

• DOI: 10.1007/s13346-018-0504-x
• Publication Date: 2018-03-05T14:15:04Z
• Authors: Maryam Kabiri; Syed H. Kamal; Sandip V. Pawar; Protiva R. Roy; Maziar Derakhshandeh; Ujendra Kumar; Savvas G. Hatziki...; Sazzad Hossain; Vikramaditya G. Y...
• Keywords: Thixotropy; Penetration (warfare)

Most medications targeting optic neuropathies are administered as eye drops. However, their corneal penetration efficiencies typically < 5%. There is a clear, unmet need for novel transcorneal drug delivery vehicles. To this end, we have developed stimulus-responsive, in situ-forming, nanoparticle-laden hydrogel controlled release of poorly bioavailable drugs into the aqueous humor eye. The formulated composite hyaluronic acid (HA) and methylcellulose (MC). amphiphilic nanoparticles composed poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) poly(lactic acid) (PLA). Experimental design aided identification composition nanoparticle content formulation, formulation reliably switched between thixotropy temperature-dependent rheopexy when it was tested rheometer under conditions that simulate ocular surface, including blinking. These properties should ensure coats cornea through blinking eyelid facilitate application medication an drop immediately prior to patient's bedtime. We subsequently efficacy our whole-eye experiments by loading with cannabigerolic (CBGA). Our exhibits over 300% increase control formulations. This work paves way introduction products diseases market.