Speaker
Abstract
Background: Sodium cromoglicate, a mast cell stabilizer widely used in allergic ocular disorders, is limited by the poor retention and bioavailability of conventional ophthalmic formulations. Niosomes—non-ionic surfactant-based vesicles—offer a promising alternative by improving drug retention, enabling controlled release, and enhancing permeability.
Aim: To develop a sodium cromoglicate-loaded niosomal gel that increases ocular residence time and achieves sustained drug release, thereby enhancing bioavailability and reducing dosing frequency.
Methods: Niosomes were prepared using the thin-film hydration method. Span 60 and Tween 60 (combined at 300 mg in equal ratio) were evaluated with varying cholesterol content, using a factorial design for screening and response surface methodology for optimization. The optimized formulation was characterized for particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), and entrapment efficiency, then incorporated into a 1% carbomer gel base.
Results: The optimized formulation (300 mg surfactant: 150 mg Tween 60 + 150 mg Span 60, plus 50 mg cholesterol) yielded niosomes with a particle size of 111.8 nm, PDI of 0.182, and entrapment efficiency of 71%. The niosomal suspension showed 94% cumulative drug release at 8 h, while the 1% carbomer niosomal gel showed 81% cumulative release at 8 h. The gel was homogeneous, smooth, well-spreading, and had a pH of 7.3.
Conclusion: The optimized niosomal gel exhibited favorable nanoscale vesicle properties and satisfactory drug entrapment. Incorporating the niosomes into a carbomer gel moderated drug release further, supporting its potential as a platform for sustained ocular delivery of sodium cromoglicate. Further ex vivo and in vivo studies are needed to confirm enhanced ocular permeation and therapeutic efficacy.
| Intend to be published in the IJPS ? | NO |
|---|---|
| Has the manuscript been published | not published |
