Moxifloxacin in HPMC-nanocellulose composite film for the management of ocular inflammation: Effect of carboxymethylated gum on permeation and antimicrobial activity.

Moxifloxacin (MFX) is known to decrease inflammation in lung infection by inhibiting interleukin-8 secretion and tumor necrosis factor-alpha production. Carboxymethylated gum combined with hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC)-nanocellulose (NCC) composite films were developed for the management of ocular inflammation and improved antimicrobial activity of MFX. Carboxymethyl starch (CMS), carboxymethyl tamarind (CMT), or carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) gum in HPMC-nanocellulose composite film formulation was prepared using solvent casting method for studying ocular anti-inflammatory effect of MFX after ocular application using carrageenan-induced rabbit eye model. Presence of NCC and methylated gum sustained the corneal drug permeation. Improved antimicrobial activity has also been observed due to the combined effect of NCC and methylated gum. Highest zone of inhibition against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria has been resulted owing to CMT in the film. MTT assay exhibited biocompatibility with human epithelial corneal cells (>84 % and above). A favourable docking score was found with MFX (-6.1 and -6.2 kcal/mol for interleukin and Tumor Necrosis Factor-α, respectively). Ocular inflammation was also diminished within 2 h of using film (CMT), whereas inflammation continued for >3 h of the induced rabbit without film. CMT incorporated film could be used for better management of inflammation associated with bacterial conjunctivitis.