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Development of an In Vitro Ocular Platform to Test Contact Lenses
Published on: April 6, 2016
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Diclofenac sustained release from sterilised soft contact lens materials using an optimised layer-by-layer coating
Diana Silva1, Hermínio C de Sousa2, Maria Helena Gil2
1Centro de Química Estrutural, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal.
International Journal of Pharmaceutics
|June 9, 2020
Summary
This study developed a novel layer-by-layer coating for soft contact lenses (SCLs) using natural polymers and genipin. This coating successfully sustained drug release for two weeks and was safely sterilized using high hydrostatic pressure (HHP).
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Ophthalmic Drug Delivery
- Polymer Chemistry
Background:
- Soft contact lenses (SCLs) offer potential for sustained drug delivery but face challenges with drug loading and sterilization.
- Traditional sterilization methods can degrade drug-loaded SCLs, limiting therapeutic applications.
- Developing biocompatible coatings for controlled drug release and effective sterilization is crucial for advanced SCLs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and characterize a layer-by-layer (LbL) coating for sustained diclofenac sodium salt (DCF) release from SCLs.
- To evaluate the biocompatibility, physical properties, and antimicrobial effects of the developed coating.
- To investigate the efficacy of high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) sterilization for drug-loaded, coated SCLs.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of an LbL coating using chitosan, sodium alginate, sodium hyaluronate, and genipin crosslinker.
- Application of the coating onto silicone-based hydrogel and commercial SCLs (SofLens, Purevision).
- Assessment of coating properties (hydrophilicity, biocompatibility, toxicity, physical parameters) and drug release kinetics.
- Evaluation of antimicrobial activity and sterilization using high hydrostatic pressure (HHP).
Main Results:
- The LbL coating was hydrophilic, biocompatible, non-toxic, and reduced bacterial growth.
- Coating maintained SCL physical properties (wettability, permeability, refractive index, transmittance) within acceptable limits.
- Diclofenac sodium salt (DCF) release was sustained for at least two weeks, with an attenuated initial burst.
- High hydrostatic pressure (HHP) successfully sterilized the drug-loaded, coated SCLs without compromising integrity.
Conclusions:
- The developed LbL coating effectively enables sustained drug release from SCLs.
- The coating exhibits favorable biocompatibility and minimal impact on SCL performance.
- High hydrostatic pressure (HHP) offers a viable sterilization method for drug-eluting SCLs, overcoming limitations of conventional techniques.
