Drug-Loaded Nanoparticles Embedded in a Biomembrane Provide a Dual-Release Mechanism for Drug Delivery to the Eye

Abstract Purpose: Topical delivery by eye drops, which accounts for ∼90% of all ophthalmic formulations, is inefficient for drug delivery to the posterior segment. Only 5% of the drug applied as drops reaches the target, whereas the rest is lost through tear drainage. A number of conditions such as glaucoma and proliferative retinopathy need sustained drug release to be therapeutically effective. The purpose of this study was to develop a novel dual-release drug delivery system to meet this requirement. Methods: Our system consists of lidocaine-loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles suspended within a thin collagen membrane. This system provides constant contact with the cornea, and the nanoparticles supply a continuous release of medication, resulting in more drug reaching the target. This system provides dual release of the drug, from both the nanoparticles and the membrane. Results: The nanoparticles loaded into the membrane did not have a significant effect on light transmittance th...