Dual-Phase Ocular Insert with Bromfenac-Loaded PLGA MPs in a PVA Matrix for Sustained Postoperative Anti-Inflammatory...

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmic Drug Delivery
• Biomaterials Science
• Polymer Chemistry

Background:

• Postoperative ocular inflammation is common after eye surgery.
• Current treatments like NSAIDs eye drops have limited efficacy due to poor bioavailability and adherence issues.
• Sustained-release systems are needed to improve therapeutic outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a sustained-release ocular insert containing bromfenac sodium (BS)-loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microparticles (MPs).
• To achieve a dual-phase release profile for enhanced postoperative ocular therapy.
• To improve patient compliance through a single-application design.

Main Methods:

• PLGA microparticles (MPs) loaded with bromfenac sodium (BS) were fabricated using a double emulsion solvent evaporation technique.
• MPs were incorporated into poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) films to create ocular inserts.
• Characterization included morphology, particle size, drug loading, entrapment efficiency, mucoadhesion, and in vitro drug release studies.

Main Results:

• The developed ocular inserts contained smooth, spherical PLGA MPs with particle sizes of 3.7–5.6 µm.
• Drug loading ranged from 7–8% with entrapment efficiencies of 47–52%.
• In vitro release studies demonstrated a dual-phase profile: an initial burst release followed by sustained release for up to 4 days.

Conclusions:

• The BS-loaded PLGA MP/PVA ocular insert successfully achieved a dual-phase release profile.
• This biodegradable, single-application insert shows potential for improving compliance and therapeutic efficacy in managing postoperative ocular inflammation.
• The formulation offers a promising advancement in ophthalmic drug delivery systems.