Breakthrough in Nanoemulsions for Ocular Drug Delivery

Strategic Insights -

Researchers at the Petru Poni Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry have developed novel nanoemulsions with remarkable intrinsic properties, suitable for ophthalmic drug delivery systems. The study focuses on creating nanoemulsions consisting of vitamin A, poly(ethylene brassylate-co-squaric acid) (PEBSA), and levofloxacin, aiming to provide a dual therapeutic effect for ocular diseases.

Key Takeaways:

  • The research resulted in the development of two PEBSA variants with different comonomer ratios, synthesized via ethylene brassylate macrolactone ring-opening and copolymerization with squaric acid using the emulsion technique.
  • Six nanoemulsions consisting of vitamin A and PEBSA were prepared, exhibiting nanometric sizes with optimal variants averaging 159 and 134 nm in diameter.
  • The optimal formulations were loaded with levofloxacin, a bioactive principle prescribed for ocular bacterial diseases, showing controlled release rates of 84% and 98% after 24 hours, depending on the copolymer squaric acid content.
  • The nanoemulsions demonstrated good antimicrobial activity against tested bacterial strains and were cytocompatible with the MG-63 cell line.
  • The research has significant implications for the development of novel ocular drug delivery systems, offering a potential therapeutic solution for bacterial ocular diseases.

Statistics:

  • Six nanoemulsions were prepared, each with unique properties and characteristics.
  • The optimal nanoemulsions exhibited average diameters of 159 and 134 nm, respectively.
  • The levofloxacin-loaded nanoemulsions showed controlled release rates of 84% and 98% after 24 hours.
  • The nanoemulsions demonstrated good antimicrobial activity against 9 tested bacterial strains.

Sources:

  • Development and Characterization of Levofloxacin-Loaded Vitamin A-Poly(Ethylene Brassylate-Co-Squaric Acid) Nanoemulsions. Macromolecular Bioscience, 2025.
  • Macromolecular Bioscience can be contacted at: Wiley-v C H Verlag Gmbh, Postfach 101161, 69451 Weinheim, Germany.
  • Alexandra Vieru, Dept. of Natural Polymers, Bioactive and Biocompatible Materials, Petru Poni Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, 41-A Grigore Ghica Voda Alley, Iasi, 700487, Romania.
  • Additional authors: Alexandru-Mihail Serban, Irina Rosca, Isabella Nacu, Alina Gabriela Rusu, Alina Ghilan, Liliana Verestiuc, Loredana Elena Nita, and Aurica P. Chiriac.