Acyclovir Loaded Solid Lipid Nanoparticulate Gel for Ocular Delivery: Optimization by using Factorial Design

Abstract: Background: Acyclovir is a potent antiviral agent primarily used to treat viral infection in the eye, signified as Herpes Simplex Keratitis caused by Virus-1. But its applications are limited because of poor oral bioavailability and permeability significant first-pass metabolism. Objectives: The study design formulation, optimization, in-vitro, ex-vivo in-vivo characterization solid lipid nanoparticulate gel (SLNG) acyclovir inspect their possibility ocular applications. Methods: SLNG was prepared hot homogenization technique optimized 23 factorial evaluated for in-vitro physicochemical characteristics pharmacokinetic study. Response surface methodology estimations plots optimization obtain optimum values response variables based on desirability criteria performed using Design-Expert software. Results: formulation showed particle size 193.57±1.14 nm, zeta potential 35±1.98 mv, drug entrapment efficiency 82±1.59% loading 54.10±0.79%, indicating good physical stability. transcorneal increase permeation across cornea compared with control. release kinetics formulations best fitted first-order kinetic model. In-vivo studies revealed enhancement level blood plasma pure suspension. Conclusion: acyclovir-loaded SLN successfully developed, optimized, exhibited enhanced well systemic through excised corneas. Thus, acts favorable approach acyclovir. Key words: Acyclovir, Hot homogenization, Factorial design, Drug efficiency, Transcorneal study, Pharmacokinetic