OBJECTIVES: The objective of the present study was to evaluate a novel mucoadhesive polymer extracted from Bletilla striata for ocular delivery of 0.5% levofloxacin in rabbits, and to determine its improved efficacy against experimental keratitis. METHODS: B. striata polysaccharide (BsP) was subjected to cell cytotoxicity and ferning tests. The pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of topically applied 0.5% levofloxacin-BsP eye drops was investigated and compared with 0.5% levofloxacin eye drops (Cravit). Experimental Staphylococcus aureus keratitis was induced and treated with levofloxacin or levofloxacin-BsP eye drops. KEY FINDINGS: BsP markedly increased the proliferative capacity of a human corneal epithelial [corrected] cell line. The ferning test showed that BsP exhibited optimal performance as a tear fluid. The polysaccharides significantly increased intra-aqueous penetration and corneal accumulation in rabbits. Treatment with levofloxacin-BsP reduced the number of organisms more significantly than eye drops containing levofloxacin alone. CONCLUSIONS: BsP appears to be a promising candidate as a vehicle for topical ophthalmic drug delivery, especially for antibiotics.
OBJECTIVES: The objective of the present study was to evaluate a novel mucoadhesive polymer extracted from Bletilla striata for ocular delivery of 0.5% levofloxacin in rabbits, and to determine its improved efficacy against experimental keratitis. METHODS: B. striata polysaccharide (BsP) was subjected to cell cytotoxicity and ferning tests. The pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of topically applied 0.5% levofloxacin-BsP eye drops was investigated and compared with 0.5% levofloxacin eye drops (Cravit). Experimental Staphylococcus aureus keratitis was induced and treated with levofloxacin or levofloxacin-BsP eye drops. KEY FINDINGS:BsP markedly increased the proliferative capacity of a human corneal epithelial [corrected] cell line. The ferning test showed that BsP exhibited optimal performance as a tear fluid. The polysaccharides significantly increased intra-aqueous penetration and corneal accumulation in rabbits. Treatment with levofloxacin-BsP reduced the number of organisms more significantly than eye drops containing levofloxacin alone. CONCLUSIONS:BsP appears to be a promising candidate as a vehicle for topical ophthalmic drug delivery, especially for antibiotics.
Authors: Muhammad Naseer Abbas; Saeed Ahmad Khan; Sajid Khan Sadozai; Islam A Khalil; Asem Anter; Marwa El Fouly; Ahmed H Osman; Mohsin Kazi Journal: Polymers (Basel) Date: 2022-03-11 Impact factor: 4.329