Preparation of controlled release ophthalmic drops, for glaucoma therapy using thermosensitive poly-N-isopropylacrylamide.
In this study, controlled release ophthalmic agents for glaucoma therapy were developed based on the thermosensitivity of poly-N-isopropylacrylamide (PNIPAAm). The clear solution of PNIPAAm was known to undergo phase transition when the temperature was raised from the room temperature to about 32 degrees C. The drug was entrapped in the tangled polymer chains or encapsulated within the crosslinked polymer hydrogel at room temperature, and released progressively after topical application (i.e., at a higher temperature). Linear PNIPAAm and crosslinked PNIAAm nanoparticles containing epinephrine were prepared. The drug release rate and cytotoxicity were investigated in vitro. Ophthalmic formulations based on either linear PNIPAAm or the mixture of linear PNIPAAm and crosslinked PNIPAAm nanoparticles were administered to rabbits and the intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering effect was evaluated. The decreased pressure response of the formulation based on linear PNIPAAm lasted six-fold longer than that of the conventional eye drop. Furthermore, for formulation based on the mixture of linear PNIPAAm and crosslinked nanoparticles, the pressure-lowering effect lasted eight times longer. These results suggest the use of thermosensitive polymer solutions or hydrogels is potential in controlled release antiglaucoma ophthalmic drugs.
Hsiue
Ging-Ho
GH
Department of Chemical Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan, Republic of China. ghhsiue@che.nthu.edu.tw
Hsu
Shan-hui
SH
Yang
Chih-Chao
CC
Lee
Shih-Huang
SH
Yang
I-Kwan
IK
D000180:Acrylic Resins; D000818:Animals; D002470:Cell Survival; D005260:Female; D005901:Glaucoma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D007429:Intraocular Pressure; D008297:Male; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D011817:Rabbits
D000180:Acrylic Resins; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; C052970:poly-N-isopropylacrylamide