Fabrication of a composite system combining solid lipid nanoparticles and thermosensitive hydrogel for challenging ophthalmic drug delivery

The purpose of this study was to explore a composite thermosensitive in situ gelling formulation using the distribution of solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) among poloxamer-based hydrogels as a potential carrier for novel ocular drug delivery. SLNs containing the model drug Resina Draconis were prepared using a melt-emulsion ultrasonication method. A central composite design (CCD) was adopted to screen the thermosensitive hydrogel (THG) formulation. After aqueous SLNs were dispersed into the THG matrices, the physicochemical properties of the SLNs were characterized before and after their incorporation into hydrogels. The in vitro corneal penetration experiment, ocular irritant test and transcorneal mechanism across the cornea have been previously described to predict the feasibility for the proposed ophthalmic application. Finally, the optimal THGs consisted of 27.8% (w/v) poloxamer 407 and 3.55% (w/v) poloxamer 188. The particle size of the SLNs remained within the colloidal range. In vitro corneal penetration studies revealed a nearly steady sustained drug release. The henʹs egg test-chorioallantoic membrane (HET-CAM) test indicated that all of the tested polymer systems were non-irritant. Coumarin-6 labeled SLNs formulated into THGs displayed a more homogeneous fluorescence with a deeper penetration intensity into the cornea at various times. Taken together, these results suggest that the SLN-based THG system can be used as a potential vehicle for ocular application.