Chitosan-Coated SLN: A Potential System for Ocular Delivery of Metronidazole

Ophthalmic drops for ocular delivery exhibit inadequate residence time, which often requires multiple daily dosing that may result in patient non-adherence. In this study, the development of a once-daily-dosed chitosan-coated metronidazole (MTZ)-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) was undertaken. Melt emulsification and ultrasonication were used to manufacture MTZ-loaded SLN, subsequently coated with chitosan (CS) by mechanical stirring using 0.1% w/v solution. Gelucire® 48/16 Transcutol® HP as synthetic solvent, respectively, Tween® 20 included stabilizing agent. The critical quality attributes (CQA) optimized CS-coated SLN monitored particle size, polydispersity index, Zeta potential, % entrapment efficiency, MTZ loading, pH, osmolarity. nanocarriers evaluated laser Doppler anemometry (LDA) determined be stable, sizes nanometre range. vitro mucoadhesion, release short-term stability, addition determination shape mucoadhesive properties demonstrated increased availability, allow dose reduction or longer intervals between doses improving precorneal retention availability. Overall, our findings suggest SLNs have potential clinical application, enhance through MTZ.