Biopolymers in Mucoadhesive Eye Drops for Treatment of Dry Eye and Allergic Conditions: Application and Perspectives

Abstract

Dry eye syndrome and allergic conjunctivitis are the most common inflammatory disorders of the eye surface. Although eye drops are the most usual prescribed dosage form, they are characterized by low ocular availability due to numerous barrier mechanisms of the eye. The use of biopolymers in liquid ophthalmic preparations has numerous advantages, such as increasing the viscosity of the tear film, exhibiting bioadhesive properties, and resisting the drainage system, leading to prolonged retention of the preparation at the site of application, and improvement of the therapeutic effect. Some mucoadhesive polymers are multifunctional excipients, so they act by different mechanisms on increasing the permeability of the cornea. Additionally, many hydrophilic biopolymers can also represent the active substances in artificial tear preparations, due to their lubrication and moisturizing effect. With the modification of conventional ophthalmic preparations, there is a need for development of new methods for their characterization. Numerous methods for the assessment of mucoadhesiveness have been suggested by the literature. This review gives an overview related to the development of mucoadhesive liquid ophthalmic formulations for the treatment of dry eye and allergic conditions.

Recent Advances in Micro- and Nano-Drug Delivery Systems Based on Natural and Synthetic Biomaterials

“…There has been a lot of pioneering work in this field, such as the development of mucoadhesive creams based on poly(acrylic acid) (PAAc) [202] and poly(methyl methacrylate) [203]. The majority of early research on mucoadhesion was done with traditional polymers in the form of tablets [204], powders [205,206], or films [207]. The promising results observed during the creation of these early mucoadhesive formulations suggested that mucoadhesion should be investigated further.…”

Chitosan-Based Nanogels Designed for Betanin-Rich Beetroot Extract Transport: Physicochemical and Biological Aspects

“…The turbidity of the dispersions was measured at 0.5, 1, 2, and 24 h and compared with the turbidity of the single mucin dispersion. The positively charged amino groups of CS reacted with negatively sialic acid residues present in the mucin causing the occurrence of precipitation, that is, reflected in a turbidity increase, indicating mucoadhesive properties [26,27].…”

“…Thus, CS provides a useful excipient for producing mucoadhesive drug delivery systems to prolong the residence time [35]. One simple and easily performed method is based on turbidimetry [27]. Interactions between each type of CS-based NG and mucin were evidenced by the appearance of turbidity, which is denoted by increased absorbances in comparison with free mucin solution over time.…”

Unveiling the Power of Gabapentin-Loaded Nanoceria with Multiple Therapeutic Capabilities for the Treatment of Dry Eye Disease

“…Hence, nanocarriers with strong mucoadhesive properties and excellent biocompatibility are vital for use in ophthalmic formulations. Mucoadhesive polymers, which have been demonstrated to bind with mucin through ionic interactions, van der Waals forces, or hydrogen bonding improve the ocular surface adhesion of the drug-carrying system and prolong the retention time of the drug, enabling efficient treatment for DE. , In particular, thiolated polymers, have been reported to have superior mucus-binding efficacy via their formation of disulfide linkages with cysteine-rich subdomains . This stable binding is further enhanced by interpenetration, enabling these polymers to anchor to the mucus mesh network.…”