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Shear-Thinning Viscous Materials for Subconjunctival Injection of Microparticles
Shiyu Xia1,2, Zheng Ding1,3, Lixia Luo1,4
1Center for Nanomedicine, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 400 North Broadway, Baltimore, Maryland, 21231, USA.
AAPS Pharmscitech
|November 26, 2020
Summary
Hyaluronic acid (HA) and methylcellulose (MC) improve the injectability and sustained release of drug-loaded microparticles (MPs) for ocular delivery. These polymers reduce needle clogging and burst release, enhancing therapeutic efficacy and safety.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Materials Science
- Drug Delivery
Background:
- Drug-loaded microparticles (MPs) offer sustained release but face challenges like needle clogging in ocular injections.
- Hyaluronic acid (HA) and methylcellulose (MC) are polymers used in ophthalmic procedures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the suitability of HA and MC for improving the injection and release properties of sunitinib malate (SUN)-loaded PLGA MPs for subconjunctival (SCT) ocular delivery.
- To assess the safety and retention of MPs when formulated with HA and MC.
Main Methods:
- HA and MC were blended with SUN-loaded PLGA MPs for subconjunctival injection in rats.
- Rheological characterization assessed shear-thinning properties for injectability.
- Drug release kinetics, MP retention, and histological safety were evaluated.
Main Results:
- HA and MC solutions exhibited shear-thinning properties, facilitating injection through fine needles.
- The polymers reduced burst drug release and extended overall drug release from MPs.
- High MP retention in conjunctival tissue and demonstrated histological safety were observed.
Conclusions:
- HA and MC are effective in overcoming needle clogging and controlling drug release for ocular MP injections.
- These polymers enhance the performance and safety of microparticle-based ocular drug delivery systems.
