Chapter 5 - Biocompatible in-situ gelling polymer hydrogels for treating ocular infection

Publication date: 2019Source: Methods in Microbiology, Volume 46Author(s): Manu Sharma, Ankita Deohra, Kakarla Raghava Reddy, Veera SadhuAbstractThe eye is a sensitive organ susceptible to bacterial as well as fungal acute and chronic infections. Commonly used conventional ocular dosage forms are solutions, drops, ointments, gels and suspensions. However, the small size of the ocular cavity, nasolacrimal drainage, precorneal elimination, conjunctival absorption and poor retention time compromises the ocular bioavailability of drugs and their therapeutic efficacy. The development of novel ophthalmic delivery systems suggests the use of additives to improve viscosity or bio-adhesion of the ocular formulations. Among recent developments in ocular formulations, in situ activated gel forming systems are gaining attention being liquid upon instillation which transforms to viscoelastic polymer gel in response to temperature, pH and osmolarity of the ocular cavity. The use of in situ gelling biocompatible polymers responding to different stimuli-responsiveness mechanisms is an important approach to improve the therapeutic benefits of medicines for treatment of several disorders of the eye in comparison to conventional systems.
Source: Methods in Microbiology - Category: Microbiology Source Type: research