Subashini Rajaram

The present study attempted to evaluate acyclovir loaded PLGA nanoemulsions for ocular delivery. The acyclovir loaded PLGA nanoemulsions were prepared by spontaneous emulsification method. Five batches were prepared and labeled as NE-1, NE-2, NE-3, NE-4 and NE-5 by changing the concentration of PLGA polymer. The prepared nanoemulsions were subjected for its physico-chemical characterization, in-vitro diffusion, release kinetics and stability studies. FT-IR and DSC shown the drug and polymer were compatible with each other and no change in their chemical nature. The morphology of nanoemulsion shows spherical in shape with smooth surfaces. The particle size and zeta potential and Poly dispersity index were determined by malvern instrument and the results shown that the prepared nanoemulsion has significant ranges of particle size (164.67 - 244.43nm), zeta potential (-33.20 to -37.60) and poly dispersity index (0.256-0.499). Drug entrapment efficiency and % practical yield ranges between (54.97-79.67) and (46.83-58.01) respectively. The in-vitro % drug release of acyclovir indicates formulation NE-4 has significant sustained release compared with other formulations. The release kinetic data of all formulations are fitted with Higuchi’s model and non-fickian diffusion mechanism. The stability study indicates 5°C±3°C and 25°C±2°C/60%±5% RH is ideal storage condition for nanoemulsion for longer period. Thus it can be conclusively stated that the acyclovir loaded PLGA nanoemulsions may be considered as an improved ophthalmic drug delivery system for the treatment of ocular viral infections.