PhD Scientific Days 2025

Pharmaceutical Sciences and Health Technologies III.

Innovative Nanofibrous Ocular Inserts for Preservative-Free Treatment of Bacterial Conjunctivitis

Name of the presenter

Abboud Houssam

Institute/workplace of the presenter

University Pharmacy Department of Pharmacy Administration

Authors

Houssam Abboud¹, Eszter Farkas¹, Nándor Nagy², Romána Zelkó¹, Adrienn Kazsoki¹

1: University Pharmacy Department of Pharmacy Administration
2: Department of Anatomy, Semmelweis University

Text of the abstract

Introduction
Conventional ocular formulations exhibit limited drug retention, poor bioavailability, and require frequent dosing. Moreover, the use of preservatives in these formulations can trigger irritation and long-term ocular toxicity. In response to these limitations, this study aims to develop electrospun preservative-free nanofibers (NFs) using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and poloxamer 407 for sustained ocular delivery of levofloxacin (LEVO). The effect of hydroxypropyl β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD) and sodium hyaluronate on formulation performance was evaluated.
Methods
NFs were fabricated using electrospinning from a blend of Mowiol® 18-88 (PVA) and poloxamer 407. HP-β-CD was added in molar ratios of 1:1 and 1:1.5 (LEVO:CD) to enhance drug solubilization. Morphological characteristics were visualized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), while structural and physicochemical analyses were performed using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Drug release was examined in vitro, and the hen’s egg chorioallantoic membrane test was employed to assess irritation. Antibacterial properties were investigated using the disc diffusion method, MIC determination, and time-kill assays.
Results
Electrospinning yielded uniform fibrous structures for all formulations. FT-IR/XRD confirmed the formation of amorphous dispersion. All formulations released LEVO rapidly and completely with no notable effects on the profile release for HP-β-CD or Sodium hyaluronate. Higher HP-β-CD levels enhanced antibacterial activity but also caused irritation. Sodium hyaluronate improved bactericidal effects without compromising safety.
Conclusion
These innovative nanofibrous ocular inserts offer a preservative-free, patient-friendly alternative to conventional eye drops, with strong antibacterial efficacy and favorable release characteristics. The optimized formulation—particularly with a 1:1 LEVO: HP-β-CD ratio—strikes a balance between therapeutic effectiveness and ocular compatibility, supporting its potential as a safe and advanced platform for bacterial conjunctivitis treatment.
Funding
This project was supported by Semmelweis 250+ excellence PhD Scholarship, and the New National Excellence Program of the Ministry for Culture and Innovation from the source of the National Research, Development, and Innovation Fund (ÚNKP-23-4-II-SE-22).