Microfibrillar polymeric ocular inserts for triamcinolone acetonide delivery

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Ophthalmology
• Drug Delivery Systems

Background:

• Ocular drug delivery faces challenges like poor drug retention and low bioavailability with eye drops.
• Ocular inserts offer a promising alternative to overcome limitations of topical ocular administration.
• Polymeric non-erodible mucoadhesive ocular inserts aim for comfort, prolonged retention, and controlled drug release.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize novel ocular inserts for improved ocular drug delivery.
• To functionalize poly(1,4-butylene succinate) (PBS) scaffolds to enhance ocular surface properties.
• To evaluate the drug release profile of triamcinolone acetonide from the developed ocular inserts.

Main Methods:

• Electrospinning was used to create hydrophobic microfibrillar scaffolds from poly(1,4-butylene succinate) (PBS).
• Plasma-assisted chemical surface functionalization with biopolymers (inulin, poly(N-2-hydroxyethyl)-D,L-aspartamide, heparin) was performed.
• In vitro release studies were conducted for the lipophilic drug triamcinolone acetonide.

Main Results:

• Functionalized PBS scaffolds exhibited improved wettability, mucoadhesion, and cytocompatibility.
• Surface modification enhanced hydrophilicity without altering the bulk properties of the PBS material.
• The ocular inserts demonstrated sustained release of triamcinolone acetonide for up to 30 days.

Conclusions:

• Plasma-functionalized PBS ocular inserts represent a viable strategy for sustained ocular drug delivery.
• These inserts enhance ocular surface properties and provide controlled release of therapeutic agents.
• The developed inserts have the potential to improve treatment for ocular diseases by increasing drug bioavailability and patient compliance.