Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 5, 2026

Development of an In Vitro Ocular Platform to Test Contact Lenses
Published on: April 6, 2016
Impact of high cyclodextrins concentrations on ocular safety and surface permanence
Victoria Díaz-Tomé1,2,3, Xurxo García-Otero1,4,5, Carlos Bendicho-Lavilla1,2,3
1Department of Pharmacology, Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Santiago de Compostela (USC), Santiago de Compostela, 15782, Spain.
Abstract:
Cyclodextrins (CDs) have been widely explored in ophthalmic formulations to enhance the bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drugs. While their ocular safety has been demonstrated in several studies, limited research has addressed the effects of CD concentration on both mucoadhesion and ocular tolerance. This study aimed to evaluate corneal alterations caused by high concentrations of various CDs at the original pH of the solutions and after adjustment to pH 7.4. Corneal toxicity was assessed using the Bovine Corneal Opacity and Permeability (BCOP) test and the Hen's Egg Test Chorioallantoic Membrane (HET-CAM) assay exhibiting ocular safety, except αCD at both pH conditions and RMβCD solution at original acidic pH. Additionally, the mucoadhesive properties of CDs at the corneal level were analysed in vivo via Positron Emission Tomography (PET) displayed significant mucoadhesive properties, prolonging retention time on the ocular surface. Further insights into CD-mucin interactions were obtained through Isothermal Titration Calorimetry (ITC) revealing different interaction mechanisms between CDs and mucin. These findings highlight the potential of CDs in ophthalmic drug delivery, offering a promising strategy for improving ocular drug bioavailability in the eye of ophthalmic formulations, provided their concentration and physicochemical properties are optimized.
Related Concept Videos
Ophthalmic Drug Delivery Systems
Bioavailability Enhancement: Drug Stability Enhancement and GI Retention
Factors Affecting Dissolution: Particle Size and Effective Surface Area
Factors Influencing Drug Absorption: Pharmaceutical Parameters
