Volume 8 | Issue - 8
Volume 8 | Issue - 8
Volume 8 | Issue - 8
Volume 8 | Issue - 7
Volume 8 | Issue - 7
Nepafenac, is a potent non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), was formulated into a nanosuspension using the solvent diffusion method to enhance its ocular drug delivery. Nepafenac was dissolved in ethanol and added drop wise to an aqueous phase containing HPMC E-5 and Poloxamer 407. The mixture was homogenized using a Digital Ultra Turrax homogenizer and then stirred to remove residual solvent. Various formulations (F1 to F9) were prepared with different ratios of stabilizers and surfactants. The nanosuspension was characterized for particle size and Polydispersity Index (PDI) using a Zetasizer. Zeta potential measurements were performed to assess surface charge. The pH of formulations was measured immediately post-preparation. Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM) was used to examine the morphology of the optimized formulation (F7). Viscosity was measured using a Brookfield viscometer. The nanosuspension formulations exhibited particle sizes suitable for intraocular injection, with a narrow size distribution and adequate zeta potential (-11.1 mV) indicating physical stability. The pH of formulations ranged between 6.7 to 7.15. FE-SEM images revealed amorphous particles with spherical morphology. Viscosity ranged from 63 to 94 CPS, increasing with the concentration of stabilizers and surfactants. In vitro drug release profiles showed sustained release over 8 hours, with higher release rates observed at higher drug concentrations. Formulation F7 demonstrated a drug release of 95.15±0.21% at 8 hours. Ex vivo transcorneal permeation studies on goat corneas demonstrated enhanced permeation of Nepafenac from the optimized nanosuspension (91.12±0.71%) compared to a marketed preparation (45.3±0.59%) after 8 hours. Stability of Optimized formulation i.e. F7 was evaluated over 3 months, showing consistent drug release profiles with minimal variation. Initial drug release percentages over 8 hours were maintained after 3 months, indicating stable performance over time. The solvent diffusion method successfully produced Nepafenac Nanosuspension with desirable physicochemical properties and enhanced drug delivery characteristics. Stability studies confirmed sustained drug release profiles, highlighting potential for prolonged therapeutic efficacy in ocular applications.