1Department of Pharmaceutics, Calcutta Institute of Pharmaceutical Technology and Allied Health Sciences, Banitabla, Uluberia, Howrah District, West Bengal state, India Pincode-711316.
2Department of Pharmaceutics, Chebrolu Hanumaiah Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chowdavaram, Guntur- 522019 Andhra Pradesh, India.
3*Department of Pharmaceutics, Oxbridge College of Pharmacy, Mahadeshwar nagar extension, Herohalli cross, Magadi main road, Bengaluru -560091. Email id: prathibhacv7@gmail.com (Corresponding Author)
4Department of Pharmaceutics, Shram Sadhana Bombay Trust's Institute of Pharmacy, Bambhori, Jalgaon.
5Institute of Biomedical Education and Research, Department of Pharmacy, Mangalayatan University, Aligarh, India Pin- 202146.
6Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, SBMCH, BIHER, Chromepet, Chennai-44.
7Department of Pharmacology, Bharati Vidyapeeth's College of Pharmacy, Navi Mumbai – 400614.
8Department of Pharmaceutics, Bharati Vidyapeeth's College of Pharmacy, Navi Mumbai – 400614.
Background: Herpes simplex keratitis (HSK) is a major infectious cause of corneal blindness worldwide. Conventional therapy with acyclovir 3% ophthalmic ointment requires frequent dosing, suffers from short precorneal residence, low corneal permeability, and often reduces adherence due to blurred vision. This study aimed to develop and evaluate an acyclovir-loaded proniosome gel that hydrates into niosomes upon tear contact, enhancing ocular retention and controlled release.
Methods: Proniosomes were prepared on maltodextrin by the slurry method using Span 60/Span 80, cholesterol, and lecithin, and incorporated into a Carbopol 940 gel. A 2×3 factorial design evaluated surfactant type, surfactant: cholesterol ratio, and drug: surfactant ratio with responses of vesicle size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, and entrapment efficiency (EE%).
Results: The optimized formulation (F5: Span 60: cholesterol 3:2, drug: surfactant 1:8) produced vesicles of 196.4 ± 6.1 nm, PDI 0.21 ± 0.03, zeta potential −31.7 ± 1.8 mV, and EE% 74.8 ± 2.4%. It showed pseudoplastic rheology, sustained release up to 12 h (Q12h 81.3 ± 2.1%), and diffusion-controlled kinetics. Ex vivo bovine cornea studies revealed a 3.3-fold enhancement in flux and Papp versus aqueous acyclovir. HET-CAM confirmed negligible irritation. Stability at 40 °C/75% RH over 3 months confirmed robustness.
Conclusion: Findings suggest proniosomal gels may reduce dosing frequency and improve therapeutic outcomes in HSK.
Keywords: Acyclovir; proniosomes; niosomes; ocular gel; herpes simplex keratitis; controlled release; corneal permeation
How to cite this article: Sankula KR, Kunam V, Prathibha CV, Shaikh WAG, Sharma B, Bharathi D, Patil P, Waghmare N. Formulation And Characterization of a Carbopol Proniosome Gel to Enhance Corneal Delivery of Acyclovir In HSV-1 Keratitis. Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026;16(13s): 429-437. DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16.13s.46
Source of support: Nil.
Conflict of interest: None