Design and optimization of gatifloxacin loaded polyvinyl alcohol nanofiber for the treatment of dry eye infection: In vitro and in vivo evaluation

Abstract

According to a clinical report, nearly 50% of dry eye patients have an elevated risk of ocular infections and inflammations. Nanofiber could serve as a potential vehicle for treating anterior ocular disease because of its sterile nature, known solubility enhancing ability, capacity to carry multiple drugs, and controlled drug release capability, which can minimize overall dose and dosing frequency. As a result, the goal of this study was to assess the therapeutic potential of Gatifloxacin (GAF) loaded Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) nanofiber for the treatment of dry eye syndrome with infection. Towards in vitro assessment, optimized nanofiber was characterized through surface imaging, swelling, release behavior, sterility, residual solvent, and degradation studies. Goat cornea was used to determine trans corneal penetrability. Therapeutic performance of the optimized nanofibers was assessed in a dry eye animal model. Results showed that applied potential of 12 kV, the flow rate of 3 μl/min, and plate to collector distance of 20 cm were the optimized electrospinning parameters for bead-free uniform fiber of around 200 nm. Longer precorneal contact time and biphasic release behavior, with an initial burst phase followed by a 7-h controlled release profile, are thought to reduce the need for frequent dosing to manage dry eye issues. Additionally, there was partial tear volume restitution and the tear ferns revival after 36h. Overall, the in-vitro and in-vivo results suggested that the developed product could be a viable alternative to manage dry eye infectious syndrome with less frequent dosing.