A novel thermo-sensitive hydrogel-based on poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)/hyaluronic acid of ketoconazole for ophthalmic delivery.

The aim of this study is to develop thermo-sensitive in situ gelling formulation of KCL based on poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)/hyaluronic acid. The prepared preparations were characterized for in vitro gelation, drug release and antifungal activity. In this study, drug content of prepared gels was found to be in the range of 91-96%. The pH value was in the range of 6.0-7.5. By measuring the gelation temperature of the prepared PN-HA thermogelling solutions, it was 33 °C. In vitro release showed that the release of KCL from in situ gels was moderate without burst effects. The KCL PN-HA in situ gels were well-tolerated by the rabbits, and no macroscopic signs of irritation, redness, or other toxic effects were observed. From in vivo antimicrobial study, KCL PN-HA in situ gels may be concluded to have a better cure percent in clinical profile and negative growth of Candida albicans in microbiological test. Therefore, this new formulation could prove to be a novel ocular dosage form able to prolong the residence time and to control the release of drug when administered into the eye.