Design and Preliminary In vitro Investigation on Core Shell Nanoparticles Laden In Situ Gel for Corneal...

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Nanotechnology
• Drug Delivery Systems

Background:

• Ocular drug delivery faces challenges with short precorneal residence time, impacting bioavailability and efficacy.
• Corneal neovascularization requires sustained drug delivery for effective therapeutic outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize lipidic core-shell nanoparticles of Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate.
• To formulate an ion-sensitive in situ gel for enhanced precorneal residence time and sustained drug release.
• To evaluate the potential of this system for treating corneal neovascularization.

Main Methods:

• Lipidic core-shell nanoparticles were prepared using Eudragit L100-55, PVA, Soya phosphatidylcholine, and Cholesterol via nanoprecipitation.
• Nanoparticles were characterized for size, zeta potential, and entrapment efficiency.
• Optimized nanoparticles were incorporated into a Gellan gum-based ion-sensitive in situ gel.
• In situ gel evaluated for gelling time, pH, drug content, and ocular irritation (HETCAM).

Main Results:

• Lipidic core-shell nanoparticles achieved a size of 368.00±0.54 nm and zeta potential of -13.3±2.0 mV.
• Sustained drug release was observed from nanoparticles compared to the drug solution.
• The optimized in situ gel exhibited a gelation time of 39.59±2.49 seconds and was found to be non-irritant.

Conclusions:

• The developed lipidic core-shell nanoparticles loaded in situ gel demonstrated sustained release of Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate.
• Reduced ex vivo drug permeation confirmed the sustained release profile.
• This formulation shows promise for improving ocular drug delivery and treating corneal neovascularization.