PhD Scientific Days 2023

Pharmaceutical Sciences - Posters E

Development of Innovative Electrospun Nepafenac-Loaded Nanofibers-based Ophthalmic Inserts

Text of the abstract

Introduction: Nanofiber-based ocular inserts are considered as smart candidates for delivery of various drugs and biopharmaceuticals to different layers of the eye with good bioavailability compared to conventional ocular formulations such as eye drops.
Aim: The current study aimed at developing preservative free electrospun nanofiber-based ocular inserts comprising PVA/poloxamer 407 and loaded with nepafenac/HPβCD to provide satisfiable ocular delivery with improved NEPA solubility.
Methods: The precursor solutions containing hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin to improve nepafenac solubility; polyvinyl alcohol as fibers forming polymer; and poloxamer 407 to impart the bio-adhesiveness. By varying the amount of HPβCD and PVA/poloxamer 407; nine different formulations of nepafenac-loaded fibers were prepared by electrospinning technique. The resulted samples were evaluated in terms of morphology, physicochemical characteristics, in vitro drug release, swelling behavior, and cytocompatibility study.
Results: The results revealed successful NEPA solubility with all selected HPβCD concentrations. All samples were found to be fibrous and increasing cyclodextrin concentration improved the fibers morphology. The cross-linking between the polymers as well as formation of amorphous solid dispersion were confirmed by FTIR spectra. Presence of poloxamer 407 resulted in complete matrix erosion and fast NEPA release, while HPβCD has different effect on the release; the lower the content the faster the release. The composition of nanofibrous web has good cytocompatibility and no irritation was detected in CAM of chick embryo.
Conclusion: The developed nanofibers web can be considered as a promising candidate for reasonable NEPA ocular delivery as well as overcoming the ocular challenging barriers faced by conventional ocular formulations.
Funding: This project was supported by ÚNKP-22-3-II-SE-78 and ÚNKP-22-4-II-SE-29 New National Excellence Program of the Ministry for Culture and Innovation from the source of the National Research, Development and Innovation Fund.