Development of polyvinyl alcohol-gelatin membranes for antibiotic delivery in the eye

The aim of the present study was to develop biosynthetic hybrid polymer-based ocular insert for topical administration of antibiotics for treatment of ocular infections.

Ciprofloxacin hydrochloride-loaded three different inserts were prepared by solution casting method by esterification of a biopolymer (gelatin) with a synthetic polymer (polyvinyl alcohol, PVA). Esterification between PVA and gelatin was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy.

Inserts were found to be wettable and swellable with simulated tear fluid and had a contact angle <50° with simulated tear fluid. Mechanical properties of PVA-gelatin (10:3 wt%) inserts included a maximal tensile strength of 8.6 ± 2 MPa and the inserts showed adequate mucoadhesion with reconstituted mucin. In vitro drug release of ciprofloxacin hydrochloride for up to 24 hours was observed from the inserts. Inserts were found to be biocompatible using SIRC rabbit corneal epithelial cell line by sulforhodamine B assay and by Draize test in albino rabbits. Further inserts showed higher ocular penetration of sodium fluorescein in goat eye as compared to eyedrop solution.

In brief, the study suggests that PVA-gelatin polymeric blends are promising as ocular inserts for prolonged release of antibiotic in the eye as compared to eyedrops. Such inserts may also be therapeutically beneficial for treatment of corneal ulcers and external ocular infections.