Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

Ophthalmic Drug Delivery Systems

Ophthalmic Drug Delivery Systems

Ophthalmic drug delivery faces major limitations due to poor absorption across the corneal membrane. This process is primarily driven by diffusion and is influenced by two main factors: the physicochemical properties of the drug and tear drainage. Most ophthalmic drugs, such as pilocarpine, epinephrine, atropine, and local anesthetics, are weak bases. They are typically formulated at an acidic pH to enhance chemical stability. However, this leads to high ionization, reducing their ability to...

Site-Targeted Drug Delivery Systems: Polymeric Carriers

Site-Targeted Drug Delivery Systems: Polymeric Carriers

Polymeric carriers enhance targeted drug delivery by increasing efficacy while minimizing off-target effects. These carriers comprise a biodegradable polymeric backbone integrated with functional elements that enable targeting, improve physicochemical properties, and regulate drug release.Targeting MechanismsThe targeting ability of polymeric carriers is mediated by a homing device, which is a molecular recognition component designed to selectively bind to specific tissues or cells. Monoclonal...

Oral Drug Delivery Systems: Delayed-Release Systems

Oral Drug Delivery Systems: Delayed-Release Systems

Delayed-release drug delivery systems are specialized pharmaceutical formulations designed to postpone the release of active compounds until the drug reaches a specific region of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, typically the intestine. These systems are essential for drugs that may cause gastric irritation, are unstable in acidic environments, or need to exert therapeutic effects locally in the intestinal or colonic regions.The core feature of delayed-release systems is the use of enteric...

Microbiome of the Eye

Microbiome of the Eye

The human eye has a specialized microbiota that reflects its unique anatomical and immunological environment. This low-biomass microbial community predominantly colonizes the conjunctiva and eyelid margins, playing a vital role in ocular surface homeostasis and defense. Despite its proximity to the richly colonized facial skin, the ocular surface maintains a distinct microbial profile due to continuous mechanical and biochemical defense mechanisms.The conjunctival surface hosts fewer microbial...

Bioavailability Enhancement: Drug Stability Enhancement and GI Retention

Bioavailability Enhancement: Drug Stability Enhancement and GI Retention

Improving a drug's stability in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is paramount for enhancing its bioavailability and therapeutic effectiveness. Various strategies are employed to protect the drug from the harsh gastric milieu and to ensure its release and absorption at the desired site within the GI tract.Polymer coatings are one such method used to shield drugs from the stomach's acidic environment. By preventing premature drug release, these coatings improve the bioavailability of unstable...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

M phase phosphorylation of the epigenetic regulator UHRF1 regulates its physical association with the deubiquitylase USP7 and stability.

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America·2012

Same author

Biosynthesis of ethyl oleate, a primer pheromone, in the honey bee (Apis mellifera L.).

Insect biochemistry and molecular biology·2012

Same author

Co-delivery strategies based on multifunctional nanocarriers for cancer therapy.

Current drug metabolism·2012

Same author

Efficacy of gemifloxacin for the treatment of experimental Staphylococcus aureus keratitis.

Journal of ocular pharmacology and therapeutics : the official journal of the Association for Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics·2012

Same author

Expression profile analysis of the polygalacturonase-inhibiting protein genes in rice and their responses to phytohormones and fungal infection.

Plant cell reports·2012

Same author

Characterizing natural dissolved organic matter in a freshly submerged catchment (Three Gorges Dam, China) using UV absorption, fluorescence spectroscopy and PARAFAC.

Water science and technology : a journal of the International Association on Water Pollution Research·2012

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 21, 2026

Spatio-Temporal In Vivo Imaging of Ocular Drug Delivery Systems using Fiberoptic Confocal Laser Microendoscopy

Spatio-Temporal In Vivo Imaging of Ocular Drug Delivery Systems using Fiberoptic Confocal Laser Microendoscopy

Published on: September 27, 2021

Diclofenac/biodegradable polymer micelles for ocular applications.

Xingyi Li¹, Zhaoliang Zhang, Jie Li

¹Institute of Biomedical Engineering, School of Ophthalmology & Optometry and the affiliated Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical College, 270 Xueyuan Road, Wenzhou 325027, China.

|June 27, 2012

Summary

Methoxypoly(ethylene glycol)-poly(ε-caprolactone) (MPEG-PCL) micelles effectively deliver diclofenac to the eye. These non-irritating nano-carriers significantly enhance drug penetration and bioavailability for improved ocular drug delivery.

More Related Videos

Synthesis of Soft Polysiloxane-urea Elastomers for Intraocular Lens Application

Synthesis of Soft Polysiloxane-urea Elastomers for Intraocular Lens Application

Published on: March 8, 2019

Ocular Therapeutic Delivery and Advanced Tissue Retrieval in Adult Rats

Ocular Therapeutic Delivery and Advanced Tissue Retrieval in Adult Rats

Published on: May 23, 2025

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 21, 2026

Spatio-Temporal In Vivo Imaging of Ocular Drug Delivery Systems using Fiberoptic Confocal Laser Microendoscopy

Spatio-Temporal In Vivo Imaging of Ocular Drug Delivery Systems using Fiberoptic Confocal Laser Microendoscopy

Published on: September 27, 2021

Synthesis of Soft Polysiloxane-urea Elastomers for Intraocular Lens Application

Synthesis of Soft Polysiloxane-urea Elastomers for Intraocular Lens Application

Published on: March 8, 2019

Ocular Therapeutic Delivery and Advanced Tissue Retrieval in Adult Rats

Ocular Therapeutic Delivery and Advanced Tissue Retrieval in Adult Rats

Published on: May 23, 2025

Area of Science:

Nanotechnology
Materials Science
Ophthalmology

Background:

Poorly water-soluble drugs present challenges in ocular delivery.
Methoxypoly(ethylene glycol)-poly(ε-caprolactone) (MPEG-PCL) micelles are investigated as potential nano-carriers.
Diclofenac is a common drug for eye conditions, but its delivery can be limited.

Purpose of the Study:

To develop and characterize MPEG-PCL micelle formulations for ocular diclofenac delivery.
To evaluate the safety, penetration enhancement, and pharmacokinetic profile of these micelles.
To assess the potential of MPEG-PCL micelles as an improved ocular drug delivery system.

Main Methods:

Diclofenac-loaded MPEG-PCL micelles prepared via solvent-diffusion method.
Characterization using DLS, AFM, FTIR, XRD, and DSC.
In vitro drug release, eye irritation studies (rabbits), corneal penetration, and in vivo pharmacokinetics in aqueous humor.

Main Results:

Diclofenac was found in an amorphous state within the micelles (XRD, DSC).
Micelles demonstrated sustained in vitro drug release.
Blank micelles were non-irritating to rabbit eyes.
17-fold increase in corneal penetration compared to diclofenac solution.
2-fold increase in aqueous humor drug concentration (AUC0-24h) compared to solution.

Conclusions:

MPEG-PCL micelles are safe and effective nano-carriers for ocular diclofenac delivery.
The micelle formulation significantly enhances drug penetration and ocular bioavailability.
This novel system holds great potential for improving the treatment of eye diseases.