Polyol-modified deformable liposomes fortified contact lenses for improved ocular permeability

To develop a glycerol modified liposomes to effectively deliver active agents into posterior segment of the eye for the management of posterior uveitis.

The modified liposome enhanced with glycerol as an edge activator was fabricated using a 3² experimental design with independent variables being soya lecithin (mg) (X₁) and glycerol (%) (X₂) and vesicle size (nm) (Y₁), deformability index (%) (Y₂), and entrapment efficiency (%) (Y₃) as dependent variable with improve permeability and entrapment efficacy. These modified liposomes were then integrated into pHEMA-based contact lenses via free radical polymerization using different monomer mixture, co-polymer, crosslinker, and photo-initiator to extend drug release.

Nano-vesicles resulted in size and deformability index of 200.5 ± 15 nm and 11.58, respectively, with entrapment efficiency of 80.98% of the drug. Moreover, the optimized lenses demonstrated 71%) of swelling and transmittance of 87%). In addition, in vitro release of active component from the therapeutic contact lens demonstrated sustained drug release over 24 h. Whereas ex vivo studies displayed a 5-fold increase in drug permeation, compared to tested conventional eye drops. The results suggested that glycerosomes-loaded contact lens can be a promising alternative for regulated delivery of dexamethasone sodium phosphate in the management of posterior uveitis.