Further investigation of nanostructured lipid carriers as an ocular delivery system: In vivo transcorneal mechanism and in vitro release study

► Fluorescence markers were employed to trace the interaction of nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) with corneal epithelium visibly. ► A deceptive particle uptake transcorneal mechanism for NLC is proposed. ► A collision-induced process facilitated the transfer of fluorescence marker by forming a complex between the nanoparticles and the biomembranes.