Nanoparticle-Enhanced Ocular Drug Delivery System: Formulation, Characterization, and Therapeutic Efficacy

Abstract

This is a study of the formulation, characterization and in vivo therapeutic efficacy of dorzolamide nanoparticles (DNPs) for ocular drug delivery. Nanoparticles were synthesized by solvent evaporation method, with a mean size of 130.4 ± 5.1 nm, encapsulation efficiency of 83.5 ± 3.3% and drug loading of 7.8 ± 0.4%. The results from in vitro release studies showed that dorzolamide was released sustainedly for up to 24 hours from the polymeric disks, compared with conventional eye drops that release the drug rapidly. In vivo studies were conducted in rabbits with induced glaucoma and prolonged and consistent intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction was seen with DNPs, substantially exceeding the potency of eye drops. Minimally changed particle size, zeta potential and drug content were confirmed in stability assessment; and histological result indicated no ocular irritation or inflammation. A cost analysis on DNPs at scale demonstrated their economic feasibility. These results, which document enhanced efficacy and patient safety in combination with cost effectiveness, establish DNPs as a viable alternative to current glaucoma treatments.