Acyclovir-Loaded Nanoemulsions: Preparation, Characterization and Irritancy Studies for Ophthalmic Delivery.

The main goal of the present work was to develop and evaluate nanoemulsions (NEs) containing acyclovir (ACV) for ophthalmic drug delivery. Firstly, component screening was performed by determining ACV solubility in various oils, surfactants, and co-surfactants. Different NE formulations were developed based on pseudo-ternary phase diagrams, and physicochemical assets were evaluated. Selected formulations were subjected to the drug release efficacy, stability studies, and ex-vivo trans-corneal permeation test. The safety of NEs was investigated by the modified Draize test and hen's egg test-chorioallantoic membrane (HET-CAM). Based on the solubility studies, Tween 20, Triacetin, and TramsectolP were chosen to prepare NE formulations. Developed NEs showed desirable physiochemical properties, including a droplet size of less than 15 nm. Selected formulations (F1 and F2) exhibited a sustained drug release pattern compared to the control group ( < .001). ACV penetration from F1 and F2 to the excised bovine cornea was 2.85 and 2.9-fold more than the control, respectively. Furthermore, HET-CAM and modified Draize test confirmed that F1 and F2 were safe for ocular administration. Present investigation revealed that ACV-loaded NEs could be effective, and safe platform for ophthalmic delivery of ACV.