aDepartment of Pharmaceutical Science, School of Healthcare and Allied Science, GD Goenka University, Gurugram, Haryana, India
bDepartment of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Rajpura, Punjab, India
Corresponding Author:
Dr. Vikas Jhawat
Associate Professor, Department of Pharmaceutical Science, School of Healthcare and Allied Science, GD Goenka University, Gurugram, Haryana, India
Email: Jhawat231287@gmail.com
Graphical Abstract: Development of ocular nanogel for the mitigation of the adverse effects associated with anti-glaucoma medications
Purpose: The objective of the present study was to conduct a pharmacological evaluation of a topical sustained release in-situ nanoemulgel (NEG) containing hyaluronic acid (HA) and omega-3 fatty acid in the mitigation of adverse drug reactions induced by antiglaucoma drugs.
Method: Bimatoprost, HA, algal oil (oil phase and source of omega-3 fatty acid), tween 80 (emulsifier I), Span 80 (emulsifier II), and water (aqueous phase) were used for the formulation development, and high-pressure homogenization followed by ultrasonication method was adopted to prepare nano-emulsion.
Result: Formulation optimization was done by using a response surface methodology (RSM) and evaluated for particle size, Zeta potential, polydispersity index (PDI). The optimized formulation was transformed into a gelling system using gellan gum (GG). The prepared NEG was subsequently subjected to both in vitro and in vivo evaluations. The optimized nanoemulsion was composed of 0.03% bimatoprost, 7.5% oil, 22.5% tween 80 and span 80 [Smix (4:1)], 0.18% HA, and 70% water. It exhibited a particle size of 40.67 ± 0.74 nm, a zeta potential of 36.4 ± 0.98 mV, and a PDI of 0.246 ± 0.043. NEG was prepared with 0.250% of GG. When combined with simulated tear fluid, the formulated NEG converted from a sol to a gel, confirming it's in situ gelation capability. The optimized formulation exhibited a drug content of 98.76 ± 0.54%. In vitro release studies revealed a sustained drug release and was further confirmed to be stable, isotonic, and sterile. Pharmacodynamic evaluation demonstrated a significant reduction in intraocular pressure (IOP) with the developed NEG.
Conclusion: The developed formulation mitigates common adverse effects of anti-glaucoma therapy, including dry eye and conjunctival hyperemia, through the incorporation of HA and omega-3 fatty acid.
Keywords: Glaucoma, Anti-glaucoma medications, Adverse drug reactions, Bimatoprost, HA, Omega-3 fatty acid, NEG.
How to cite this article: Singh M, Chauhan S, Monika, Singh RP, Arora S, Jhawat V. Response Surface Optimized Nanoemulgel for Ocular Bimatoprost Delivery: Integrating Hyaluronic Acid and Omega-3 to Enhance Residence Time and Alleviate Side Effects in Glaucoma. Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026;16(6s): 900-909; DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16.6s.119
Source of support: None
Conflict of interest: None