Single subconjunctival injection formulation using sol-gel mesoporous silica as a controlled release system for drop-free post-cataract surgery care.

PURPOSE

To develop a mesoporous silica drug delivery system and target drop-free care after cataract surgery with a single subconjunctival injection.

SETTING

Laboratory.

DESIGN

Experimental animal study.

METHODS

Ketorolac was infiltration-loaded into sol-gel mesoporous silica particles encapsulated with poly(allylamine hydrochloride) and poly(sodium 4-styrenesulfonate) using a layer-by-layer adsorption technique (SG-Ket-LBL). The formulation was subjected to an in vitro and in vivo drug release study in addition to ocular toxicology evaluation.

RESULTS

Thermogravimetric analysis revealed that the drug loading efficiency was 4.4% for the SG-Ket-LBL particles. The in vivo safety study demonstrated that the formulation was well tolerated after subconjunctival injection and aqueous humor pharmacokinetics showed sustained therapeutic drug release for the targeted time window of 6 to 8 weeks.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings indicated that sol-gel mesoporous silica could be used as a drug carrier for subconjunctival administration. The tested formulation, SG-Ket-LBL, provided therapeutic ketorolac for 6 to 8 weeks, which might be used for a single subconjunctival injection to replace nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug eyedrops after cataract surgery.