Design and Preliminary In vitro Investigation on Core Shell Nanoparticles Laden In Situ Gel for Corneal Neovascularization.

Background: The inherent limitation of ocular dosage forms is decreased precorneal residence time which affects the bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy.

Objective: The objective of the current research was to sustain drug release and enhance precorneal drug residence time by formulating lipidic core-shell nanoparticles of Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate and loading them in ion-sensitive in situ gel for corneal neovascularization.

Methods: Polymeric nanoparticles were formulated using Eudragit L100-55 and PVA by twostep solvent diffusión nanoprecipitation method and coated by a lipidic film of Soya phosphatidylcholine with Cholesterol. The optimized lipidic core-shell nanoparticles were transformed into in situ gel using Gellan gum. The lipidic core-shell nanoparticles were evaluated for particle size, zeta potential, entrapment efficiency, in vitro reléase and in situ gel was evaluated for in vitro gelling time, pH, drug content, HETCAM studies, etc Results: The Core-shell lipid nanoparticles exhibited a particle size of 368.00±0.54 nm and zeta potential -13.3±2.0 mV respectively. The lipidic core-shell nanoparticles were found to show a sustained drug release when compared to the drug solution. The optimized in situ gel was found to show a gelation time of 39.59±2.49 seconds and was found to be non-irritant.

Conclusion: A decline in ex vivo drug permeation was observed through an aqueous suspension of core-shell polymeric nanoparticles and core-shell LPN loaded in situ gel thus confirming sustained release for the drug Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate.