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Solid Lipid Nanoparticles Improve the Diclofenac Availability in Vitreous after Intraocular Injection
Mojtaba Abrishami1, Majid Abrishami2, Asma Mahmoudi3
1Retina Research Center, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Eye Research Center, Farabi Eye Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Journal of Drug Delivery
|November 3, 2016
Summary
Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) enhance diclofenac availability in the eye after intravitreal injection. This novel drug delivery system offers prolonged drug presence, potentially reducing systemic effects and improving patient compliance.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Nanotechnology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Intravitreal drug administration is crucial for treating ocular diseases.
- Improving drug availability and prolonging therapeutic effects after intravitreal injection remains a challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prepare solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) loaded with diclofenac.
- To evaluate the intraocular drug availability of diclofenac-loaded SLNs compared to the commercial formulation after intravitreal administration.
Main Methods:
- Diclofenac-loaded SLNs were prepared with a particle size of approximately 170 nm.
- Albino rabbits received intravitreal injections of either diclofenac-loaded SLNs or commercial diclofenac solution (0.3 mg).
- Vitreous and aqueous humor samples were collected at various time points (1, 4, 12, 24, 48 hours) post-injection for drug concentration analysis.
Main Results:
- Diclofenac concentration in ocular tissues was significantly higher in eyes treated with SLNs compared to the commercial form up to 4 hours post-injection (p < 0.05).
- Diclofenac was detected in ocular samples for up to 48 hours after intravitreal injection of SLNs.
- At 4 hours post-injection, diclofenac concentrations in the vitreous and aqueous humor were 2.5 and 6.5 times higher, respectively, in the SLN group compared to the commercial formulation group.
Conclusions:
- Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) show significant potential as an effective carrier for diclofenac in intraocular injections.
- SLNs can enhance intraocular drug availability, potentially leading to reduced systemic drug effects.
- The use of SLNs may allow for increased injection intervals and improved patient compliance for ocular treatments.
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