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Drug reservoir function of voriconazole impregnated human amniotic membrane: An in vitro study
Manali Hazarika1, Namperumalsamy Venkatesh Prajna1, Srinivasan Senthilkumari2
1Department of Cornea and Refractive Services, Aravind Eye Hospital, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India.
Purpose:
Earlier our group has demonstrated the drug reservoir function of the human amniotic membrane (HAM) using stable moxifloxacin and fortified cefazolin ophthalmic formulations and found it as a suitable tool to deliver drugs for an extended duration. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the extended-release kinetics of voriconazole from the impregnated human amniotic membrane (HAM) in vitro.
Methods:
HAM buttons were incubated with freshly prepared 1% topical ophthalmic formulation of voriconazole for 5 different exposure time to investigate the ideal exposure time for the extended-release of voriconazole from HAM. The drug release kinetics was studied in simulated tear fluid for 5 weeks and the amount of voriconazole released at different intervals was estimated using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with photodiode array (PDA) detector.
Results:
There was a marginal increase in drug entrapment efficiency with increased drug exposure time but neither the drug entrapment nor the drug release was found to be statistically significant (P ≥ 0.5). Voriconazole was detectable even at 5 weeks.
Conclusion:
A sustained release of voriconazole was achieved up to 5 weeks, when voriconazole was incubated with amniotic membrane for all the studied drug soaking times. Thus, voriconazole impregnated amniotic membrane can be considered for the sustained delivery for its in fungal keratitis.
Insights
The human amniotic membrane (HAM) can sustain the release of voriconazole for up to 5 weeks. This finding supports HAM as a potential drug delivery tool for treating fungal keratitis.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Drug Delivery
- Biomaterials
Background:
- The human amniotic membrane (HAM) has previously shown potential as a drug reservoir for ophthalmic formulations.
- Extended drug delivery is crucial for managing chronic ocular conditions like fungal keratitis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the in vitro extended-release kinetics of voriconazole from the human amniotic membrane (HAM).
- To determine the optimal exposure time for voriconazole impregnation onto HAM for sustained drug release.
Main Methods:
- HAM samples were incubated with a 1% voriconazole ophthalmic formulation for varying exposure times.
- Drug release was monitored in simulated tear fluid for 5 weeks using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC).
Main Results:
- Voriconazole was detectable in the HAM for the entire 5-week study period.
- While drug entrapment efficiency showed a marginal increase with exposure time, it was not statistically significant.
- Sustained release of voriconazole was observed across all tested impregnation durations.
Conclusions:
- The voriconazole-impregnated human amniotic membrane (HAM) demonstrates sustained drug release for up to 5 weeks.
- HAM serves as a viable platform for the sustained delivery of voriconazole, offering a potential treatment strategy for fungal keratitis.
