Moxifloxacin Loaded Polymeric Nanoparticles for Sustained Ocular Drug Delivery

Abstract

Efficient drug delivery to the ocular region is a challenging goal. Only a very small amount (about l-3%) of the dosage actually penetrates through the cornea and reaches intraocular tissues. To overcome these problems of conventional dosage forms, novel drug delivery systems like nanoparticles were designed. Moxifloxacin-loaded poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanosuspension was prepared with the aim of providing sustained effect for ocular delivery for 24 hours. Nanosuspensions were prepared by nanoprecipitation method using poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) and evaluated for particle size, surface morphology, zeta potential, drug entrapment efficiency, in vitro release and ex vivo transcorneal permeability, and were compared with marketed products. Microbiological efficacy was tested against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeroginosa using cup plate method. Spherical uniform particles (202.5 nm) with a polydispersity index of 0.226 and negative zeta potential (– 25.45 mV) were obtained for MF4 (drug to polymer ratio 1:0.4). Drug entrapment efficiency for MF4 was found to be 83.1%. The cumulative percent drug release for formulation MF4 after 24 hours was 86.1%, showing a sustained effect in controlling the bacterial conjunctivitis thereby avoiding frequent administration of dosage. MFX-loaded PLGA nanoparticles (MF4) showed a significantly higher drug permeation capability compared to the commercial marketed eye drops in ex vivo transcorneal permeation studies and also showed better antimicrobial efficacy compared to the marketed formulation. The results indicate that Moxifloxacin-loaded PLGA nanosuspension could be utilized as a potential drug delivery system for sustained release in ophthalmic application.