Vancomycin-Loaded Gel Ocular Drug Delivery System for Treatment of Endophthalmitis

Abstract

In case of endophthalmitis, which develops as a result of microbial infection of the intraocular tissues, is not treated, it can lead to anatomical or functional losses in the eye. Intravitreal injections are the most preferred method in the treatment of endophthalmitis, which can be exogenous or endogenous. The combination of antibiotics effective against bacteria has disadvantages such as re-injection, unresponsiveness to treatment, and drug toxicity. Treatment in which antibiotics effective against both gram (+) and gram (-) bacteria are used in combination has disadvantages such as re-injection, unresponsiveness to treatment, and drug toxicity. In order to overcome these disadvantages, studies are carried out to develop injectable forms of active substances that provide long-term release. In this study, the antibiotic Vancomycin (Van), which is frequently used in the treatment of endophthalmitis, was loaded into alginate hydrogels; characterization, in vitro release and toxicity were determined. Its morphology was visualized by environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was used to characterize changes in chemical structure. The release of Van from the hydrogels continued for more than 2 weeks. It was determined that the toxicity of free Van decreased with loading of hydrogels. Its antibacterial activity was evaluated with the disc diffusion test and it was determined that it was more effective against Staphylococcus aureus.