Development and evaluation of fast forming nano-composite hydrogel for ocular delivery of diclofenac

In this paper, a fast forming nano-composite hydrogel was developed for potential application in ocular drug delivery. The optical transmission (OT) as well as rheological properties of nano-composite hydrogel was characterized. The developed nano-composite hydrogel given a high diclofenac micelles loading and provided a sustained release manner of diclofenac within 6 h. The developed nano-composite hydrogel formulation was administrated into the eye as flowable solution, quickly forming a hydrogel that is able to resist of the blinking and flushing of tear, yet resulting in the prolonged residence time of pre-corneal. In vivo eye irritation test suggested that the developed nano-composite hydrogel was none-eye irritation might be suitable for various ocular applications. In vivo pharmacokinetic study indicated that the developed nano-composite hydrogel could significantly increase the bioavailability of diclofenac and maintain the concentration of diclofenac in aqueous humor above MEC at least 24 h after administration as compared with that of the commercial diclofenac sodium eye drops, which might be able to reduce the frequency of administration for patients.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload high-quality image (78 K)Download as PowerPoint slide