Self-assembled hexagonal liquid crystalline gels as novel ocular formulation with enhanced topical delivery of pilocarpine nitrate.

The aim of this paper was to develop hexagonal liquid crystalline (H) gels that can be used as a novel ocular delivery system for pilocarpine nitrate (PN). H gels were prepared by a vortex method using phytantriol/triglyceride/water (71.15: 3.85: 26, w/w) ternary system. The gels were characterized by crossed polarized light microscopy, small-angle X-ray scattering, differential scanning calorimetry and rheology. And, in vitro drug release behavior and ex vivo corneal permeation were investigated. Finally, preocular residence time evaluation, eye irritation test, histological examination and miotic tests were studied in vivo and compared with carbopol gel. Based on various characterization techniques, the inner structure of the gels were H mesophase and exhibited a pseudoplastic fluid behaviour. In vitro release results revealed that PN could be released continuously from H gel over a period of 24 h. The ex vivo apparent permeability coefficient of H gel was 3.15-fold (P < 0.01) higher than that of the Carbopol gel. Compared with Carbopol gel, H gel displayed longer residence time on the eyeballs surface using fluorescent labeling technology. Furthermore, the H gel caused no ocular irritation was estimated by corneal hydration levels, Draize test and histological inspection. Additionally, in vivo miotic study showed that H gel had a remarkably long-lasting decrease in the pupil diameter of rabbits. In conclusion, H gels would be a promising sustained-release formulation for ocular drug delivery.