Effect of collagen cross-linking in collagen corneal shields on ocular drug delivery

It is well known that some ocular diseases can be treated more effectively with a collagen shield containing drug. The influence of collagen cross-linking on drug delivery is not known. We determined if collagen cross-linking affects ofloxacin bioavailability at three different collagen shield dissolution times. In this study, the collagen shields were not impregnated in drug but an eye drop was simply instilled after application of collagen shield. A non-cross-linked collagen shield, with a dissolution time of 12 h, disappeared more rapidly from the rabbits' eyes due to proteolysis after application in vivo. On the other hand, the cross-linked collagen shields, with dissolution times of 24 and 72 h, served as an ofloxacin depot and enhanced topical ofloxacin penetration into the cornea and the aqueous humor. As the dissolution times for the cross-linked collagen shield are longer than those of the non-cross-linked type, they serve as drug reservoirs. Therefore, cross-linked collagen shields might be useful ocular drug delivery devices because they can allow drug concentrations to achieve higher levels in the cornea and aqueous humor.