A Combined Approach of Nanoparticles with Iontophorosis Using Macrolide Antibiotic for the Treatment of Eye Diseases

Abstract

The aim of the research was to formulate Solid Lipid nanoparticles of clarithromycin for the treatment of endophthalmitis and to enhance the permeation using a novel non-invasive technique ‘Ionotophorosis’. Solid lipid nanoparticles were prepared by nano-precipitation technique followed by probe sonication. For the selection of lipid and surfactant, solubility studies were done. From the solubility study, Stearic acid, Tween 80 and Transcutol P were selected. Preliminary trials were then carried out by varying the concentration of lipid, Surfactant and co-surfactant ratio and Surfactant concentration. From the preliminary trails, fraction factorial design was used for the screening. From the fraction factorial design, two significant factors were found i.e Drug-lipid ratio and Sonication time. For further optimization 32 full factorial design was applied. The dependent variable selected were particle size, % entrapment efficiency and % drug loading. Design space was obtained and the formulation was optimized. In-vitro diffusion studies using by multi diffusion cells was performed in phosphate buffer 7.4. To enhance the permeation of drug, iontophorosis technique was used. Ex-vivo study was performed on the goat eye and the permeation was checked. The iontophorosis technique was found to be very useful as systemic toxicity can be avoided due to enhanced permeation. So, with combination of the nanoparticles and iontophorosis, controlled release formulation along with increased permeation can be formulated.