Eye Drops with Nanoparticles as Drug Delivery Systems

Objective: The objective of this study was to examine and characterize topical eye drops with indomethacin-loaded poly(vinyl acetate) nanoparticles (IMC-p(VAc)-NPs). Methods: IMC-p(VAc)-NPs were obtained by emulsifier-free radical homopolymerization of the monomers in the presence of indomethacin in water and in an aqueous solution of Carbopol®. Thus obtained indomethacin nanocarriers were included in topical ophthalmic formulations. (Hydroxypropyl)methyl cellulose was used in different concentrations to increase the viscosity of the eye drops. Rheological characteristics, the surface tension, the ocular tolerance according to In vitro hen’s egg test–chorioallantoic membrane, and the indomethacin release from the eye drops models were studied. Results: The investigation of the rheological characteristics and the surface tension of the (hydroxypropyl)methyl cellulosesolutions showed the suitable concentrations as an excipient increasing the viscosity of the eye drops with IMC-p(VAc)-NPs. In vitro study of the indomethacin release from the eye drops showed that the investigated nanocarriers had a different behavior according to the releaseddrugfrom the NPs in phosphatephosphate buffer at pH 7.4. No signs of ocular irritation were detected within 5 min according to In Vitro hen’s egg test–chorioallantoicmembrane for the investigated IMC-p(VAc)-NPs, contrary to the indomethacin substance. Conclusion: The obtained results prove the possibility to prepare topical eye drops with IMC-p(VAc)-NPs as a drug delivery systems and give reasons to continue the research in this direction.