Precision Formulation of Ocular Films for Eye Infections using Innovative Quality by Design Optimization

The current study focused on formulating ocular films embedded with levofloxacin for the treatment of conjunctivitis by employing the solvent-casting technique.

These films were formulated with gelatin, Aloe barbadensis leaves mucilage (ABLM), and HPMC K4M to enhance the therapeutic effectiveness of levofloxacin. Various evaluations were carried out to confirm the quality and stability of the films, including assessments of thickness, weight uniformity, uniformity in LFX, % loss of moisture, and permeation. In vitro drug release studies were conducted to simulate ocular environments and analyze the precise release of LFX.

The films exhibited uniform thickness (0.15-0.19 mm) and weight (61.85-65.54 mg) with a consistent film area (0.502 cm²). LFX content ranged from 85.66% to 97.03%, with T-6 being the most uniform. Moisture loss was found to be 7.98-9.55%, and absorption (highest in T-6, i.e., 18.05%) increased with gelatin. LFX permeation peaked at 97.03% (T-6) in 24-h diffusion studies. T-8 demonstrated exceptional mucoadhesion (>10 h), and ANOVA confirmed the important influence of gelatin, ABLM, and HPMC K4M on LFX content (F-value: 129.91, p=0.0010).

The study concluded that combining ABLM with HPMC K4M enabled consistent, diffusion-controlled release of LFX, offering an effective and sustained formulation for treating conjunctivitis.