Optimization of hyaluronan-based eye drop formulations

• Published in: Carbohydrate polymers Vol. 153; pp. 275 - 283
• Main Authors: Salzillo, Rosanna, Schiraldi, Chiara, Corsuto, Luisana, D’Agostino, Antonella, Filosa, Rosanna, De Rosa, Mario, La Gatta, Annalisa
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Ltd 20.11.2016
• Subjects: Corneal epithelial cells; Eye drops; Hyaluronan; Mucoadhesiveness; Viscosity; Viscosity; Hyaluronan; Corneal epithelial cells; Eye drops; Mucoadhesiveness
• ISSN: 0144-8617; 1879-1344
• DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2016.07.106

•Hydrodynamic and rheological evaluations of HA-based eye drops were achieved.•Most of commercial HA-based eye drops are not optimized.•Combinations of HA molecular weight/amount maximizing performance were determined.•Formulations expected to have maximized retention on ocular surface were developed.•Developed formulas show improved protection of corneal epithelium from dehydration. Hyaluronan (HA) is frequently incorporated in eye drops to extend the pre-corneal residence time, due to its viscosifying and mucoadhesive properties. Hydrodynamic and rheological evaluations of commercial products are first accomplished revealing molecular weights varying from about 360 to about 1200kDa and viscosity values in the range 3.7–24.2mPa s. The latter suggest that most products could be optimized towards resistance to drainage from the ocular surface. Then, a study aiming to maximize the viscosity and mucoadhesiveness of HA-based preparations is performed. The effect of polymer chain length and concentration is investigated. For the whole range of molecular weights encountered in commercial products, the concentration maximizing performance is identified. Such concentration varies from 0.3 (wt%) for a 1100kDa HA up to 1.0 (wt%) for a 250kDa HA, which is 3-fold higher than the highest concentration on the market. The viscosity and mucoadhesion profiles of optimized formulations are superior than commercial products, especially under conditions simulating in vivo blinking. Thus longer retention on the corneal epithelium can be predicted. An enhanced capacity to protect corneal porcine epithelial cells from dehydration is also demonstrated in vitro. Overall, the results predict formulations with improved efficacy.