Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 18, 2026

Spatio-Temporal In Vivo Imaging of Ocular Drug Delivery Systems using Fiberoptic Confocal Laser Microendoscopy
Published on: September 27, 2021
Hyaluronic Acid-Based Micelles as Ocular Platform to Modulate the Loading, Release, and Corneal Permeation of
Flavia Bongiovì1, Giulia Di Prima1, Fabio S Palumbo1
1Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, Via Archirafi 32, 90123, Palermo, Italy.
Abstract:
The aim of this work is to prepare hyaluronic acid-based micelles as a platform to load corticosteroid drugs and to improve their corneal permeation after administration on the ocular surface. Three amphiphilic derivatives of hyaluronic acid (HA) are synthesized using different amounts of hexadecylamine (C16 -NH2 ). HAC16 a, HAC16 b, and HAC16 c derivatives are able to form micelles by the cosolvent evaporation method and to entrap corticosteroids (dexamethasone, triamcinolone, triamcinolone acetonide). HAC16 a and HAC16 b micelles show the best results in terms of drug loading and particle size. They are also able to improve drug release compared to free drug solution or suspension. In addition, HAC16 b micelles show an optimal mucoadhesion and compatibility with human corneal epithelial cells. In vitro and ex vivo permeation studies of drug-loaded HAC16 b micelles are performed to understand the ability of these micelles to act as penetration and/or permeation enhancers.
Related Concept Videos
Ophthalmic Drug Delivery Systems
Site-Targeted Drug Delivery Systems: Polymeric Carriers
Drug Delivery: Miscellaneous Routes
Oral inhalation and nasal sprays swiftly transfer drugs across the respiratory epithelium's mucosal layer. Inhaled glucocorticoids and bronchodilators directly target lung conditions such as asthma, while fluticasone nasal spray mitigates allergic rhinitis.
Transdermal patches transport drugs...
Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Site-Targeted
Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Overview
Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Stimuli-Activated

