Healing efficiency of nystatin-loaded chitosan-guar gum-based nanocapsules in experimental fungal keratitis

This study aimed to develop Nystatin-loaded chitosan/guar gum cationic polyelectrolyte nanocapsules (CGGNCs) for the treatment of fungal keratitis (FK). CGGNCs were prepared using the polyelectrolyte complex coacervation technique and characterized for size, surface charge, entrapment efficiency, viscosity, pH, and in vitro release profile. The in vitro antifungal activity of CGGNCs and drug suspension was studied in Candida albicans, and ex vivo permeation was assessed using goat cornea. The HET-CAM test confirmed the safer use of CGGNCs for ocular application, and the in vivo study showed better antifungal efficacy than that of drug suspension. The results showed enhanced effectiveness of CGGNCs in treating FK through improved corneal adhesion and direct interaction with the mucous membrane of corneal tissue in a rabbit model. This finding shows potential as a promising candidate for better treatments for FK under experimental conditions.