Cationic solid lipid nanoparticles enhance ocular hypotensive effect of melatonin in rabbit

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Nanotechnology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Melatonin (MEL) is investigated for its potential ocular hypotensive properties.
• Cationic solid lipid nanoparticles (cSLN) are explored for ophthalmic drug delivery.
• Assessing MEL's efficacy and safety in nanocarrier formulations is crucial for glaucoma treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the enhanced ocular hypotensive effect of melatonin (MEL) encapsulated in cationic solid lipid nanoparticles (cSLN).
• To determine the tolerability of MEL-loaded cSLN formulations on the ocular surface.
• To assess the duration and efficacy of IOP reduction by MEL-loaded cSLN.

Main Methods:

• MEL was encapsulated in cSLN using Softisan(®) 100, stearic acid (SA) or palmitic acid (PA), and didecyldimethylammonium bromide.
• Ocular hypotensive effects were evaluated by measuring intraocular pressure (IOP) over 24 hours in albino rabbits.
• Ocular surface tolerability of the formulations was assessed in vivo.

Main Results:

• MEL significantly reduced IOP (p<0.01) in rabbit eyes.
• All tested cSLN formulations exhibited good ocular surface tolerability.
• The nanocarrier containing SA demonstrated the most potent IOP reduction (-7 mmHg) lasting up to 24 hours.

Conclusions:

• MEL-loaded cSLN formulations are effective in reducing IOP and possess a safe ocular profile.
• The nanotechnological strategy of encapsulating MEL in cSLN represents a promising approach for anti-glaucoma therapy.
• Further clinical evaluation is warranted for these novel MEL-based nanocarrier formulations in glaucoma treatment.