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Preparation of Binary and Ternary Deep Eutectic Systems
Published on: October 31, 2019
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Using Natural Deep Eutectic Systems as Alternative Media for Ocular Applications.
Célia Sarmento1, Hugo Monteiro1, Alexandre Paiva1
1LAQV-REQUIMTE, Chemistry Department, NOVA-School of Science and Technology, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal.
Pharmaceutics
|May 27, 2023
Summary
Natural deep eutectic systems (NADES) show promise for eye drop formulations due to their viscosity and biocompatibility. These systems enhance drug solubility, like acetazolamide, for improved glaucoma treatment.
Area of Science:
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Materials Science
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Ocular drug delivery faces challenges with drug retention and solubility.
- Natural deep eutectic systems (NADES) offer tunable physicochemical properties.
- High viscosity of NADES may enhance ocular drug retention time.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential of NADES as novel media for ocular formulations.
- To characterize NADES for rheological and physicochemical properties relevant to eye drops.
- To evaluate NADES's ability to enhance the solubility and biocompatibility of ocular drugs.
Main Methods:
- Preparation and characterization of various NADES formulations.
- Rheological and physicochemical property analysis (viscosity, osmolarity, pH, contact angle, refractive index).
- Solubility studies with acetazolamide (ACZ) and cytotoxicity assays on ARPE-19 cells.
Main Results:
- Optimized NADES solutions (5-10% w/v) exhibited suitable viscosity (0.8-1.2 mPa.s), osmolarity (412-1883 mOsmol), and pH (7.4).
- NADES increased acetazolamide solubility by up to 3 times.
- NADES demonstrated biocompatibility, maintaining cell viability above 80% at 5% (w/v) concentration, with no added cytotoxicity when ACZ was included.
Conclusions:
- NADES are viable candidates for ocular formulations, improving drug solubility and retention.
- Biocompatible NADES formulations offer a promising approach for enhanced ocular drug delivery.
- Further research into NADES-based ocular formulations could lead to more effective glaucoma treatments.

