Assessing the Efficacy of PLGA-Loaded Antimicrobial Peptide OH-CATH30 Microspheres for the Treatment of Bacterial Keratitis: A Promising Approach

Bacterial keratitis in animals presents challenges due to ocular structural barriers, hindering effective drug delivery. In this study, we used biocompatible and biodegradable poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) encapsulate the naturally occurring antimicrobial peptide OH-CATH30, an alternative conventional antibiotics, for treatment of bacterial animals. Microspheres (MS) were prepared using a modified water-in-oil-in-water (W/O/W) double-emulsion method with optimized osmotic pressure. We conducted comprehensive evaluations, including vitro characterization, encapsulation efficiency determination, release kinetics, vivo/vitro assessments irritation inhibition. The yielded microspheres impressive 75.2 ± 3.62% loading capacity 18.25 5.73%, exhibiting well-defined particle size distribution (200–1000 nm) ζ-potential −17.3 1.91 mV. demonstrated initial burst followed by sustained controlled vitro. Both vivo tolerance tests confirmed biocompatibility drug-loaded microspheres, as they did not elicit significant tissues. Remarkable antibacterial effects observed both experiments. Our developed PLGA show promise therapeutic option topical administration managing keratitis, offering exceptional delivery capabilities, improved bioavailability, potent efficacy.