Nanodispersion-loaded Mucoadhesive Polymeric Ocular Inserts

Mucoadhesive polymeric films incorporated with ketorolac tromethamine loaded nanodispersion aiming the sustained delivery of the drug to the cornea have been developed and characterized for the treatment of postoperative ocular inflammation. Nanodispersions were prepared by ionic gelation method with various concentrations of chitosan and sodium tripolyphosphate. The developed nanodispersions were analyzed for morphology, particle size, dispersion homogeneity, zeta potential, entrapment efficiency and drug release. The nanodispersion that showed the smallest particle size and the highest entrapment efficiency was incorporated in optimized HPMC E15 and Eudragit RL100/HPMC K4m films. The formulation with optimum physico-mechanical properties was selected to study its ex-vivo transcorneal permeation through freshly excised bovine cornea in comparison with the nanodispersion and the marketed eye drops (Acular®). The polymeric ocular film showed greater permeation than aqueous eye drops. Moreover, the ocular film revealed a prolonged anti-inflammatory effect compared to eye drops when applied to inflamed rabbits¿ eyes.