title: Hydroxypropylmethylcellulose films for the ophthalmic delivery of diclofenac sodium.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to prepare diclofenac/hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) and diclofenac-loaded nanoparticles/HPMC films as potential systems for ocular delivery.
  
  
  METHODS
  Two different concentration of the polymer were used: 1.5 and 2.0% w/v. Chitosan-hyaluronic acid nanoparticles were prepared by the ionotropic gelation technique. Nanoparticles were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, drug encapsulation efficiency and rheological studies. In-vitro drug studies and corneal penetration release studies were carried out. Drug release mechanism was finally evaluated by fitting the Ritger and Peppas equation to data. In addition corneal hydration level was calculated to determine whether films could damage the corneas.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Diclofenac HPMC films presented a faster drug release and a higher drug penetration than nanoparticles; on the contrary nanoparticles containing films were able to give a more sustained release of the drug and thus a slower diclofenac permeation through the cornea than HPMC films.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Nanoparticles loaded with diclofenac sodium in HPMC films may be a valuable alternative for the treatment of ocular inflammatory diseases, since these formulations offer the benefit of sustained releasing directly to the site of action.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al Azhar University, Gaza, Palestine.
authors.forename: Salah
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: El-Sousi
authors.forename: Amparo
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Nácher
authors.forename: Carla
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Mura
authors.forename: Ana
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Catalán-Latorre
authors.forename: Virginia
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Merino
authors.forename: Matilde
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Merino-Sanjuán
authors.forename: Octavio
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Díez-Sales
mesh_terms: D060433:Administration, Ophthalmic; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry; D048271:Chitosan / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry; D004008:Diclofenac / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000737:chemistry*; D004304:Dosage Forms; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems / Q000379:methods*; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D065347:Hypromellose Derivatives; D008747:Methylcellulose / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000737:chemistry; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry; D010539:Permeability; D011108:Polymers / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry
chemical_list: D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D004304:Dosage Forms; D011108:Polymers; D004008:Diclofenac; D065347:Hypromellose Derivatives; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid; D008747:Methylcellulose; D048271:Chitosan