Recent advances in nanocrystal-based technologies applied for ocular drug delivery.

Expert Opin Drug Deliv

Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery, Ministry of Education; Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.

Published: February 2024

AI Article Synopsis

  • The eye's complex barriers and limited drop volume make it hard to deliver poorly water-soluble drugs, but nanocrystals offer a promising solution with their high drug-loading capacity and enhanced solubility.
  • The article reviews the current state of ophthalmic nanocrystal technologies, including research, clinical trials, and market products, while discussing their advantages and challenges in eye drug delivery.
  • Despite proving effective for certain eye treatments, the stability of nanocrystals is a significant hurdle, prompting the need for better stabilizers and methods to enhance their functionality for delivering drugs to different parts of the eye.

Article Abstract

Introduction: The intricate physiological barriers of the eye and the limited volume of eye drops impede efficient delivery of poorly water-soluble drugs. In the last decade, nanocrystals have emerged as versatile drug delivery systems in various administration routes from bench to bedside. The unique superiorities of nanocrystals, mainly embodied in high drug-loading capacity, good mucosal adhesion and penetration, and greatly improved drug solubility, reveal a promising prospect for ocular delivery of poorly water-soluble drugs.

Areas Covered: This article focuses on the ophthalmic nanocrystal technologies and products that are in the literature, clinical trials, and even on the market. The recent research progress in the preparation, ocular application, and absorption of nanocrystals are highlighted, and the pros and cons of nanocrystals in overcoming the physiological barriers of the eye are also summarized.

Expert Opinion: Nanocrystals have demonstrated success as glucocorticoid eye drops in the treatment of anterior segment diseases. However, the thermodynamic stability of nanocrystals remains the major challenge in product development. New technologies for efficiently optimizing stabilizers and sterilization processes are still expected. Strategies to confer more diverse functions via surface modification are also worth exploration to improve the potential of nanocrystals in delivering poorly water-soluble drugs to posterior segment of the eye.

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Source
http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/17425247.2024.2311119DOI Listing

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